The United States on Monday effectively backed Israel's right to build Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank by abandoning its four-decade-old position. Israel praised a U.S. decision on Monday to soften its position on Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that upset the Palestinians who said it contradicts international law.

U.S. backs Israel on settlements, Palestinians outraged as Israel welcomes U.S. move

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-protest-moves-to-grant-netanyahu-immunity-limit-supreme-court-221711">Israelis </a>hailed a US announcement that it no longer considers settlements in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-health-ministry-a-palestinian-shot-dead-in-west-bank-clashes-261418">West Bank </a>and annexed east Jerusalem illegal, but the Palestinians pledged fresh measures to oppose it Tuesday.

Most Israeli politicians and media joined settler groups in welcoming the announcement made by US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-lawmakers-press-pompeo-for-answers-on-iran-arms-control-report-219258">Mike Pompeo </a>on Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-gives-rare-tv-interview-to-address-allegations-205334">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said it reflected "a historical truth that the Jewish people are not foreign colonialists in Judaea and Samaria," using the biblical terms for the southern and northern West Bank.

Pompeo said that after legal consultation they had concluded the establishment of settlements was "not, per se, inconsistent with international law".

He said that the United States was not necessarily considering the settlements legal either but instead would defer to the judgement of Israeli courts.

The decision is the latest in a series of pro-Israeli moves by Donald Trump's administration in recent years, including recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967.

Watch: Reversal of US on it's long standing policy on Israeli settlements

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More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians.

The statement puts the United States at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community and breaks with UN Security Council resolutions declaring the settlements to be illegal as they are built on occupied land.

The Arab League criticised the announcement Tuesday, calling it an "extremely adverse development."

The only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel Egypt and Jordan&nbsp;both sharply criticised the US change of policy, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of its "dangerous consequences".

The direct impact on the ground may be limited but analysts say it will further embolden the settlement movement and may fend off potential legal moves against Israel.

The Palestinian Authority which considers the US biased and has rejected the Trump administration as a mediator if peace talks are ever revived&nbsp;denounced the latest decision.

Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said the Palestinians would take a series of measures to oppose the move.

"We began deliberations in the UN to present a draft resolution in the Security Council," he said Tuesday.

"We expect a (US) veto but we will do it. Let the United States veto international law.

"We are going to the (UN) General Assembly and we will ask. the International Criminal Court to open an official judicial investigation with Israeli officials concerning settlements."

The US change of policy was widely seen as an attempt to change the legal context for a series of suits and complaints against Israel.

The European Union’s top court last week ruled that EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels.

The International Criminal Court is expected to take key decisions on two cases against Israel in the coming weeks, including on whether Israeli settlements are a war crime according to international law.

Ofer Zalzberg, senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group think tank, said the US was trying to weaken the legal pressure on its ally.

"The Trump administration is trying to unravel international consensus on this issue of the illegality of settlements," Zalzberg said.

"It adds to a deepening politicisation of international law, making it appear to be malleable to political opinions."

Israeli settlers, who overwhelmingly form part of Netanyahu's right-wing constituency, said the US policy change paved the way for annexation of the settlements."We applaud the Trump administration for revealing the truth about the standing of Israeli communities in Judaea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley," the Yesha settlements council said.

"After the American recognition, we must move to the next stage applying sovereignty to Israeli settlements."

Erekat said it was only the latest move by the US to try and force the Palestinians to capitulate and give up their claims to an independent state.

"They wanted us on our knees and they used every trick internally, externally, regionally to put pressure on us. We stand tall and we will stand tall."

Israelis hailed a US announcement that it no longer considers settlements in the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem illegal, but the Palestinians pledged fresh measures to oppose it Tuesday.

Israelis hailed a US announcement that it no longer considers settlements in the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem illegal, but the Palestinians pledged fresh measures to oppose it Tuesday. Most Israeli politicians and media joined settler groups in welcoming the announcement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it reflected "a historical truth that the Jewish people are not foreign colonialists in Judaea and Samaria," using the biblical terms for the southern and northern West Bank. Pompeo said that after legal consultation they had concluded the establishment of settlements was "not, per se, inconsistent with international law". He said that the United States was not necessarily considering the settlements legal either but instead would defer to the judgement of Israeli courts. The decision is the latest in a series of pro-Israeli moves by Donald Trump's administration in recent years, including recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967. Watch: Reversal of US on it's long standing policy on Israeli settlements × More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians. The statement puts the United States at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community and breaks with UN Security Council resolutions declaring the settlements to be illegal as they are built on occupied land. The Arab League criticised the announcement Tuesday, calling it an "extremely adverse development." The only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel Egypt and Jordan both sharply criticised the US change of policy, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of its "dangerous consequences". The direct impact on the ground may be limited but analysts say it will further embolden the settlement movement and may fend off potential legal moves against Israel. The Palestinian Authority which considers the US biased and has rejected the Trump administration as a mediator if peace talks are ever revived denounced the latest decision. Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said the Palestinians would take a series of measures to oppose the move. "We began deliberations in the UN to present a draft resolution in the Security Council," he said Tuesday. "We expect a (US) veto but we will do it. Let the United States veto international law. "We are going to the (UN) General Assembly and we will ask. the International Criminal Court to open an official judicial investigation with Israeli officials concerning settlements." The US change of policy was widely seen as an attempt to change the legal context for a series of suits and complaints against Israel. The European Union’s top court last week ruled that EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels. The International Criminal Court is expected to take key decisions on two cases against Israel in the coming weeks, including on whether Israeli settlements are a war crime according to international law. Ofer Zalzberg, senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group think tank, said the US was trying to weaken the legal pressure on its ally. "The Trump administration is trying to unravel international consensus on this issue of the illegality of settlements," Zalzberg said. "It adds to a deepening politicisation of international law, making it appear to be malleable to political opinions." Israeli settlers, who overwhelmingly form part of Netanyahu's right-wing constituency, said the US policy change paved the way for annexation of the settlements."We applaud the Trump administration for revealing the truth about the standing of Israeli communities in Judaea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley," the Yesha settlements council said. "After the American recognition, we must move to the next stage applying sovereignty to Israeli settlements." Erekat said it was only the latest move by the US to try and force the Palestinians to capitulate and give up their claims to an independent state. "They wanted us on our knees and they used every trick internally, externally, regionally to put pressure on us. We stand tall and we will stand tall."

Israelis celebrate, Palestinians vow measures to oppose as US backs settlements in West Bank

A Palestinian man was shot and killed on Monday during clashes with Israeli forces in the south of the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry and medics said.

Palestinian medical sources identified the man as 22-year old Omar al-Badawi, who was hit in the chest with live fire before being taken to Ahali hospital in the nearby city of Hebron, where he was pronounced dead.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../name-board-of-whatsapp-snoopgate-firm-nso- goes-missing-office-shifted-to-undisclosed-location-259800">Israeli army</a> did not immediately comment on the incident at Al Arroub refugee camp.

The clashes came as Palestinians in the West Bank marked the 15th anniversary&nbsp;of the death of former president Yasser Arafat.

Medics also reported Israeli use of live fire in clashes at Fawwar, south of Hebron.

Hamas, the Islamist leaders of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../palestinian-killed-2-wounded-in-israel-gaza- counter-strikes-259419">Gaza Strip</a>, prohibited a Fatah event to mark the death of Arafat in the coastal Palestinian enclave.

Hamas and Fatah, which Arafat led, have been deeply divided since 2007 near civil war in the Gaza Strip .

A Palestinian man was shot and killed on Monday during clashes with Israeli forces in the south of the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry and medics said.

A Palestinian man was shot and killed on Monday during clashes with Israeli forces in the south of the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry and medics said. Palestinian medical sources identified the man as 22-year old Omar al-Badawi, who was hit in the chest with live fire before being taken to Ahali hospital in the nearby city of Hebron, where he was pronounced dead. The Israeli army did not immediately comment on the incident at Al Arroub refugee camp. The clashes came as Palestinians in the West Bank marked the 15th anniversary of the death of former president Yasser Arafat. Medics also reported Israeli use of live fire in clashes at Fawwar, south of Hebron. Hamas, the Islamist leaders of the Gaza Strip, prohibited a Fatah event to mark the death of Arafat in the coastal Palestinian enclave. Hamas and Fatah, which Arafat led, have been deeply divided since 2007 near civil war in the Gaza Strip .

Palestinian man shot dead in West Bank clashes: Health Ministry

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-diplomats-strike-over-working-conditions-258830">Israel</a> has approved the construction of 2,342 settler homes in the occupied West Bank, settlement watchdog Peace Now said on Thursday.

It said the decision was taken on October 10 and that 59 per cent of the new homes will be erected in "settlements that Israel likely may evacuate under a peace agreement" with the Palestinians.

According to Peace Now, which closely monitors Israeli settlement building, plans for 8,337 housing units in the settlements have been approved since the beginning of the year.

It said this represented an increase of close to 50 per cent compared with 2018 when plans for 5,618 housing units were approved.

"This brings the average number of housing units approved in the three years since President Trump was elected, to 6,899 housing units, almost twice the average in the three years preceding them," said the NGO.

All settlements are considered illegal under international law and are built on land that the Palestinians see as part of their future state, but Israel distinguishes between those it has approved and those it has not.

Peace Now said that settlement construction has increased under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is fighting for his political survival after failing to form a coalition government following September elections.

"Netanyahu continues to sabotage the possibility of a political agreement with the Palestinians by promoting more settlement construction in the West Bank, including in places where Israel may have to evacuate as part of a future agreement," Peace Now said.

Included in the 2,342 new housing units are 182 that are due to be built in Mevoot Yericho, a former outpost near Jericho which the Netanyahu government legalised before the September polls, Peace Now said.

Ramping up the construction of settlement homes is yet another dangerous step for both Israel and the Palestinians, led by a transitional prime minister whom the public did not trust in his policies.

"The next government must put a freeze on the development of settlements and to strive for immediate resumption of negotiations with the Palestinians without preconditions and to end the bloody conflict based on the principle of two states for two peoples," Peace Now added.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has tasked ex-military chief Benny Gantz to form a government after Netanyahu failed to set up a coalition for the second time this year.

Some 600,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem among around 2.9 million Palestinians.

Israel has approved the construction of 2,342 settler homes in the occupied West Bank, settlement watchdog Peace Now said on Thursday. It said the decision was taken on October 10 and that 59 per cent of the new homes will be erected in "settlements that Israel likely may evacuate under a peace agreement" with the Palestinians.

Israel has approved the construction of 2,342 settler homes in the occupied West Bank, settlement watchdog Peace Now said on Thursday. It said the decision was taken on October 10 and that 59 per cent of the new homes will be erected in "settlements that Israel likely may evacuate under a peace agreement" with the Palestinians. According to Peace Now, which closely monitors Israeli settlement building, plans for 8,337 housing units in the settlements have been approved since the beginning of the year. It said this represented an increase of close to 50 per cent compared with 2018 when plans for 5,618 housing units were approved. "This brings the average number of housing units approved in the three years since President Trump was elected, to 6,899 housing units, almost twice the average in the three years preceding them," said the NGO. All settlements are considered illegal under international law and are built on land that the Palestinians see as part of their future state, but Israel distinguishes between those it has approved and those it has not. Peace Now said that settlement construction has increased under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is fighting for his political survival after failing to form a coalition government following September elections. "Netanyahu continues to sabotage the possibility of a political agreement with the Palestinians by promoting more settlement construction in the West Bank, including in places where Israel may have to evacuate as part of a future agreement," Peace Now said. Included in the 2,342 new housing units are 182 that are due to be built in Mevoot Yericho, a former outpost near Jericho which the Netanyahu government legalised before the September polls, Peace Now said. Ramping up the construction of settlement homes is yet another dangerous step for both Israel and the Palestinians, led by a transitional prime minister whom the public did not trust in his policies. "The next government must put a freeze on the development of settlements and to strive for immediate resumption of negotiations with the Palestinians without preconditions and to end the bloody conflict based on the principle of two states for two peoples," Peace Now added. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has tasked ex-military chief Benny Gantz to form a government after Netanyahu failed to set up a coalition for the second time this year. Some 600,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem among around 2.9 million Palestinians.

Israel approves more than 2,300 settler homes in West Bank: Report

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank.

Netanyahu, who is trying to form a new government following a deadlocked election, pledged before the vote to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea which account for one-third of the West Bank.

The promise was widely condemned, including by UN chief Antonio Guterres who warned it would violate international law.

"Our response, if any Israeli government is to proceed with this plan, is that all signed agreements with the government of the occupation and any obligations therein will be terminated," said Abbas.

"And it is our right to defend our rights by all possible means, regardless of consequences, while remaining committed to international law and combating terrorism," he warned.

Abbas made a similar vow in July, but did not follow through.

In the early 1990s, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, then headed by Yasser Arafat, signed a number of peace agreements under US sponsorship.

The agreements were supposed to be for a transitional five-year period, but a longer-term deal proved elusive and a second bloody Palestinian intifada, or uprising, broke out in 2000.

Abbas, 84, also renewed a pledge to hold fresh parliamentary elections, which last took place in 2006.

Those elections, which were surprisingly won by Islamist movement Hamas, eventually led to a dramatic split, with Hamas seizing control of Gaza in 2007.

"Upon my return to the homeland, I will call for regular local elections in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and anyone who opposes these elections will be held accountable before God and the international community," said Abbas, likely referencing Hamas.

Abbas has made similar promises before, most recently in December 2018 Abbas when he said he would hold parliamentary elections within six months.

Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz later told the assembly his country "wants peace with all its neighbors."

He added: "We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. To stop encouraging and financing terrorism. And to recognize the right of the Jewish People to its own state."

Katz also called on the Palestinians to come back to direct negotiations "without any pre-conditions."

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank. Netanyahu, who is trying to form a new government following a deadlocked election, pledged before the vote to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea which account for one-third of the West Bank. The promise was widely condemned, including by UN chief Antonio Guterres who warned it would violate international law. "Our response, if any Israeli government is to proceed with this plan, is that all signed agreements with the government of the occupation and any obligations therein will be terminated," said Abbas. "And it is our right to defend our rights by all possible means, regardless of consequences, while remaining committed to international law and combating terrorism," he warned. Abbas made a similar vow in July, but did not follow through. In the early 1990s, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, then headed by Yasser Arafat, signed a number of peace agreements under US sponsorship. The agreements were supposed to be for a transitional five-year period, but a longer-term deal proved elusive and a second bloody Palestinian intifada, or uprising, broke out in 2000. Abbas, 84, also renewed a pledge to hold fresh parliamentary elections, which last took place in 2006. Those elections, which were surprisingly won by Islamist movement Hamas, eventually led to a dramatic split, with Hamas seizing control of Gaza in 2007. "Upon my return to the homeland, I will call for regular local elections in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and anyone who opposes these elections will be held accountable before God and the international community," said Abbas, likely referencing Hamas. Abbas has made similar promises before, most recently in December 2018 Abbas when he said he would hold parliamentary elections within six months. Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz later told the assembly his country "wants peace with all its neighbors." He added: "We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. To stop encouraging and financing terrorism. And to recognize the right of the Jewish People to its own state." Katz also called on the Palestinians to come back to direct negotiations "without any pre-conditions."

All agreements off if Israel annexes territory: Palestine President Mahmud Abbas warns at United Nations

Israeli security forces shot a Palestinian woman who tried to stab them at a checkpoint in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday (September 18), Israeli police said, and Palestinian officials said she died of her injury.

Palestinian woman shot point blank

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to annex the Jordan Valley, a large swathe of the occupied West Bank, if he wins the elections in a closely contested race.

Netanyahu announces annexation of West Bank's Jordan Valley

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrambled for far-right voter support two days before an election, convening his cabinet in the occupied West Bank and having it approve legal status for an unauthorised outpost. Watch this video to know more.

Netanyahu sharpens focus on settlements, two days before ballot

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a deeply controversial pledge on Tuesday to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank if re-elected in September 17 polls.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a deeply controversial pledge on Tuesday to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank if re-elected in September 17 polls. Palestinians immediately reacted by saying Netanyahu was destroying any hopes for peace, while his electoral opponents accused him of a cynical play for right-wing nationalist votes with polls only a week away. In his televised speech, the prime minister also reiterated his intention to annex Israeli settlements in the wider West Bank if re-elected. But he said he would do that in coordination with US President Donald Trump, whose long-awaited peace plan is expected to be unveiled sometime after the vote. × Those moves could effectively kill any remaining hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, long the focus of international diplomacy. "There is one place where we can apply Israeli sovereignty immediately after the elections," Netanyahu said during the address that included a map of the Jordan Valley on an easel next to him. "If I receive from you, citizens of Israel, a clear mandate to do so ... today I announce my intention to apply with the formation of the next government Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea." Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said Netanyahu was "not only destroying the two-state solution, he is destroying all chances of peace". She called it "worse than apartheid". 'Great opportunity' Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, said the annexation would be "manifestly illegal" and called on the international community to act. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned the move would "push the whole region towards violence" and risks "killing off the entire peace process". In Turkey, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu slammed Netanyahu's pledge as "racist". "The election promise of Netanyahu, who is giving all kind of illegal, unlawful and aggressive messages before the election, is a racist apartheid state," Cavusoglu wrote on his official Twitter account in both English and Turkish. Saudi Arabia condemned it as a "dangerous escalation against the Palestinian people" and called for an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing the royal court. The Jordan Valley accounts for around one-third of the West Bank and Israeli right-wing politicians have long viewed the strategic area as a part of the territory they would never retreat from, seeing it as the country's eastern border. Israeli settlements are located in what is known as Area C of the West Bank, which accounts for some 60 per cent of the territory, including the vast majority of the Jordan Valley. Netanyahu said his annexation plans would not include Palestinian cities, such as the Jordan Valley's Jericho, though it would be encircled by Israeli territory. The premier said Trump's peace parameters "will place before us a great challenge and also a great opportunity." "This is a historic, one-time opportunity to apply Israeli sovereignty on our settlements... and other places of importance to our security, our heritage and our future." Trump has thrown US support overwhelmingly in favour of Israel since taking office, including by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital and cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to the Palestinians. Ahead of April elections, Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Netanyahu vows to annex West Bank's Jordan Valley if re-elected

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, he said on Sunday, reiterating election promise made five months ago but again giving no timeframe.

Settlements are one of the most heated issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians have voiced fears that Netanyahu could defy international consensus and move ahead with annexation with possible backing from US President Donald Trump, a close ally.

"With God`s help we will extend Jewish sovereignty to all the settlements as part of the (biblical) Land of Israel, as part of the State of Israel," Netanyahu said in Sunday`s speech in the West Bank settlement of Elkana, where he attended a ceremony opening the school year.

He did not say when he planned to make such a move.

Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, made a similar pledge days before an Israeli general election in April. After the vote he failed to form a governing parliamentary majority and the country will hold a new election on September 17.

With the publication of a US peace plan still pending, Trump has already recognised Israel`s 1981 annexation of the Golan Heights, territory Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war.

Palestinians seek to make the West Bank part of a future state that would include the Gaza Strip and have East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel captured those areas in 1967 and moved troops and settlers out of Gaza in 2005.

After decades of settlement-building, more than 400,000 Israelis now live in the West Bank, according to Israeli figures, among a Palestinian population put at about 2.9 million by the Palestinian Statistics Bureau.

A further 212,000 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

"This is our land," Netanyahu said in his speech in Elkana. "We will build another Elkana and in another Elkana and another Elkana. We will not uproot anyone here," Netanyahu said.

The Palestinians and many countries consider settlements to be illegal under the Geneva conventions that bar settling on land captured in war. Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical, historical and political connections to the land.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

The Trump administration says it intends to release its Israeli-Palestinian peace plan after the Israeli election and has not disclosed whether it will advocate a two-state solution that has been at the foundation of past negotiations. 
&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, he said on Sunday, reiterating election promise made five months ago but again giving no timeframe.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, he said on Sunday, reiterating election promise made five months ago but again giving no timeframe. Settlements are one of the most heated issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians have voiced fears that Netanyahu could defy international consensus and move ahead with annexation with possible backing from US President Donald Trump, a close ally. "With God`s help we will extend Jewish sovereignty to all the settlements as part of the (biblical) Land of Israel, as part of the State of Israel," Netanyahu said in Sunday`s speech in the West Bank settlement of Elkana, where he attended a ceremony opening the school year. He did not say when he planned to make such a move. Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, made a similar pledge days before an Israeli general election in April. After the vote he failed to form a governing parliamentary majority and the country will hold a new election on September 17. With the publication of a US peace plan still pending, Trump has already recognised Israel`s 1981 annexation of the Golan Heights, territory Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to make the West Bank part of a future state that would include the Gaza Strip and have East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel captured those areas in 1967 and moved troops and settlers out of Gaza in 2005. After decades of settlement-building, more than 400,000 Israelis now live in the West Bank, according to Israeli figures, among a Palestinian population put at about 2.9 million by the Palestinian Statistics Bureau. A further 212,000 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "This is our land," Netanyahu said in his speech in Elkana. "We will build another Elkana and in another Elkana and another Elkana. We will not uproot anyone here," Netanyahu said. The Palestinians and many countries consider settlements to be illegal under the Geneva conventions that bar settling on land captured in war. Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical, historical and political connections to the land. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014. The Trump administration says it intends to release its Israeli-Palestinian peace plan after the Israeli election and has not disclosed whether it will advocate a two-state solution that has been at the foundation of past negotiations.

Netanyahu repeats pledge to annex Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank

US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on Friday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ban-israel-permits-us-representative-rashida-tlaib-to-make-humanitarian-visit-to-family-in-west-bank-243380">rejected Israel's offer to let her travel to the West Bank</a>, saying she would not visit her family after the Israeli government lifted a ban on her entry but imposed "oppressive conditions" to humiliate her.

Tlaib, a Democrat who represents Michigan in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives and has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians, had planned to make an official visit to Israel along with fellow Democrat congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-urges-israel-to-bar-visit-by-us-congresswomen-ilhan-omar-rashida-tlaib-243211"> US President Donald Trump</a>, on Thursday, said he would not allow them to make a planned trip to Israel. On Friday, Israel decided to allow Tlaib to visit family in the occupied West Bank on humanitarian grounds.

"I can't allow the State of Israel to take away that light by humiliating me &amp; use my love for my sity to bow down to their oppressive &amp; racist policies," Tlaib tweeted, using the word sity to refer to her grandmother.

"Silencing me &amp; treating me like a criminal is not what she wants for me. It would kill a piece of me. I have decided that visiting my grandmother under these oppressive conditions stands against everything I believe in--fighting against racism, oppression &amp; injustice," she added.

Tlaib and Omar have voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement which opposes the Israeli occupation and policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Under Israeli law, BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel.

Netanyahu had said Israel would consider a humanitarian travel request by Tlaib so long as she promised not to promote a boycott against Israel.

Tlaib and Omar are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and the Detroit-born Tlaib is also the first Palestinian-American congresswoman.

Both are members of their party's progressive wing and sharp critics both of Trump and Israeli policy.

The two, along with fellow Democratic US Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts have also drawn direct attacks from Trump.

US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on Friday rejected Israel's offer to let her travel to the West Bank, saying she would not visit her family after the Israeli government lifted a ban on her entry but imposed "oppressive conditions" to humiliate her.

US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on Friday rejected Israel's offer to let her travel to the West Bank, saying she would not visit her family after the Israeli government lifted a ban on her entry but imposed "oppressive conditions" to humiliate her. Tlaib, a Democrat who represents Michigan in the US House of Representatives and has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians, had planned to make an official visit to Israel along with fellow Democrat congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from US President Donald Trump, on Thursday, said he would not allow them to make a planned trip to Israel. On Friday, Israel decided to allow Tlaib to visit family in the occupied West Bank on humanitarian grounds. "I can't allow the State of Israel to take away that light by humiliating me & use my love for my sity to bow down to their oppressive & racist policies," Tlaib tweeted, using the word sity to refer to her grandmother. "Silencing me & treating me like a criminal is not what she wants for me. It would kill a piece of me. I have decided that visiting my grandmother under these oppressive conditions stands against everything I believe in--fighting against racism, oppression & injustice," she added. Tlaib and Omar have voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement which opposes the Israeli occupation and policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Under Israeli law, BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel. Netanyahu had said Israel would consider a humanitarian travel request by Tlaib so long as she promised not to promote a boycott against Israel. Tlaib and Omar are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and the Detroit-born Tlaib is also the first Palestinian-American congresswoman. Both are members of their party's progressive wing and sharp critics both of Trump and Israeli policy. The two, along with fellow Democratic US Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts have also drawn direct attacks from Trump.

US Representative Rashida Tlaib says she won't visit West Bank under Israel's 'oppressive' conditions

Israel will build 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank - a move Palestinian leaders decried as showing Israel's "colonial mentality" - but in a rare step it also approved permits for 700 houses for Palestinians.

Washington warmed to Wednesday's announcement, made ahead of a visit by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner to explore prospects for his own Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Details of the plan remain vague, however.

The Palestinian leadership has rejected US&nbsp;diplomacy, saying the Trump administration is biased towards Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a conservative who is drumming up ultra-nationalist Jewish support ahead of a September&nbsp;17 election, has hinted that Israel could annex its West Bank settlements - in defiance of world powers that view the enclaves as illegal.

Most settlements are concentrated in Area C of the West Bank, which under the 1993 Oslo interim peace accords is fully controlled by Israel.<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-announces-new-homes-in-west-bank-239908/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The Palestinians seek to end the Israeli occupation of territory seized in the 1967 Middle East and set up their own state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

Israeli officials said on Wednesday Netanyahu's cabinet had approved permits 6,000 new homes for settlers and 700 new homes for Palestinians in Area C in what they described as a bid to rein in pirate construction.

According to Israel, about 450,000 settlers and 250,000-290,000 Palestinians live in Area C. A total of about 3 million Palestinians live throughout the West Bank.

Saying it rejected any Israeli construction or controls over Palestinian construction in the West Bank, the Palestinian leadership dismissed the housing announcement.

The Foreign Ministry in Ramallah called it "evidence of the dark colonial mentality of the rules in Israel and which ignores all United Nations resolutions, international law and the signed agreements".

The US&nbsp;ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, said, however, the permits for the Palestinians were the first for some time.

"We spend lots of time speaking with the Israelis about improving conditions in the West Bank and Gaza," he told CNN.

Friedman sidestepped questions about whether the Trump administration foresaw a Palestinian state or Israeli annexations of West Bank land.

"We want the Palestinians to have autonomy. We want the Palestinians to govern themselves," he said.

"Israel has not presented to us any plan to retain or annex any portion of the West Bank and we have no view on it at all right now," Friedman added.

He added that in his view, Israel had the legal right to retain some portion of the West Bank.

The issue of Jewish settlements in occupied territory is one of the most contentious of the conflict and the main reason why the peace process based on the 1993 accords has run aground.

Following a previous announcement on new settler houses in April, the European Union reiterated that all settlement activity was illegal under international law. It eroded the viability of a two-state solution and the prospects for a lasting peace, the EU said.

Israel will build 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank - a move Palestinian leaders decried as showing Israel's "colonial mentality" - but in a rare step it also approved permits for 700 houses for Palestinians.

Israel will build 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank - a move Palestinian leaders decried as showing Israel's "colonial mentality" - but in a rare step it also approved permits for 700 houses for Palestinians. Washington warmed to Wednesday's announcement, made ahead of a visit by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner to explore prospects for his own Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Details of the plan remain vague, however. The Palestinian leadership has rejected US diplomacy, saying the Trump administration is biased towards Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a conservative who is drumming up ultra-nationalist Jewish support ahead of a September 17 election, has hinted that Israel could annex its West Bank settlements - in defiance of world powers that view the enclaves as illegal. Most settlements are concentrated in Area C of the West Bank, which under the 1993 Oslo interim peace accords is fully controlled by Israel. The Palestinians seek to end the Israeli occupation of territory seized in the 1967 Middle East and set up their own state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Israeli officials said on Wednesday Netanyahu's cabinet had approved permits 6,000 new homes for settlers and 700 new homes for Palestinians in Area C in what they described as a bid to rein in pirate construction. According to Israel, about 450,000 settlers and 250,000-290,000 Palestinians live in Area C. A total of about 3 million Palestinians live throughout the West Bank. Saying it rejected any Israeli construction or controls over Palestinian construction in the West Bank, the Palestinian leadership dismissed the housing announcement. The Foreign Ministry in Ramallah called it "evidence of the dark colonial mentality of the rules in Israel and which ignores all United Nations resolutions, international law and the signed agreements". The US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, said, however, the permits for the Palestinians were the first for some time. "We spend lots of time speaking with the Israelis about improving conditions in the West Bank and Gaza," he told CNN. Friedman sidestepped questions about whether the Trump administration foresaw a Palestinian state or Israeli annexations of West Bank land. "We want the Palestinians to have autonomy. We want the Palestinians to govern themselves," he said. "Israel has not presented to us any plan to retain or annex any portion of the West Bank and we have no view on it at all right now," Friedman added. He added that in his view, Israel had the legal right to retain some portion of the West Bank. The issue of Jewish settlements in occupied territory is one of the most contentious of the conflict and the main reason why the peace process based on the 1993 accords has run aground. Following a previous announcement on new settler houses in April, the European Union reiterated that all settlement activity was illegal under international law. It eroded the viability of a two-state solution and the prospects for a lasting peace, the EU said.

Israel announces new homes for settlers, Palestinians in West Bank 

Israel has announced to build 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank. In a rare step it also approved permits for 700 houses for Palestinians. Watch this video to know more.

Israel announces new homes in West Bank

Israel has given rare approval to Palestinian homes in the part of the occupied West Bank it fully controls while also backing a large settlement expansion, ahead of White House advisor Jared Kushner's key visit Wednesday.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity Wednesday, confirmed the approval by the country's security cabinet the previous day, ahead of the arrival by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser.

The approval of 700 homes for Palestinians and 6,000 for Israeli settlers comes as the White House seeks to promote Kushner's long-awaited peace plan.

It was not immediately clear if all of the homes would be new or if some already exist and are receiving retroactive approval.

While the number of homes approved for Palestinians is relatively small and far outweighed by the number of settlement homes, the move could allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to argue he is making efforts to make Kushner's plan succeed.

Kushner visited Jordan on Wednesday and was later on his way to Israel as part of a Middle East tour.

He has said his plan will not mention a two-state solution because "it means one thing to the Israelis, it means one thing to the Palestinians."

Palestinians and many governments around the world warn that continued settlement construction by Israel in the West Bank is slowly eating away at hopes for a two-state solution to the conflict.

But US ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who has been a backer of Israeli settlements, reiterated his stance in an interview with CNN late Tuesday.

Friedman said the United States was in favour of Palestinian "autonomy," but signalled Washington was not ready for now to support full statehood -- similar to Netanyahu's position.

"The issue we have is agreeing in advance to a state because the word state conjures up with it so many potential issues that we think it does a disservice for us to use that phrase," he said.

"We believe in Palestinian autonomy. We believe in Palestinian civilian self-governance. We believe that that autonomy should be extended up until the point where it interferes with Israeli security, and it's a very complicated needle to thread."

He argued that the Palestinian Authority government may currently be too weak to prevent militant groups from overrunning it, resulting in a "failed state" that threatens Israel and neighbouring Jordan.

Palestinian boycott

The White House unveiled economic aspects of its peace plan at a conference in Bahrain in June, but it was boycotted by the Palestinians.

The Palestinians froze contacts with Trump's White House after his 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and have already dismissed the peace plan as blatantly biased in favour of Israel.

In addition to the Jerusalem decision, Trump's administration has taken a series of moves against the Palestinians, including cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and shutting their de facto embassy in Washington.

Tuesday's approvals are for housing in the part of the West Bank known as Area C, which is under Israeli security and civilian control and where most of its settlements are located.

Area C accounts for more than 60 per cent of the West Bank, the Palestinian territory that would form part of a future Palestinian state under the so-called two-state solution.

Israel rarely grants approvals for Palestinian construction in that area and frequently carries out demolitions of Palestinian buildings it considers illegally built.

Walid Assaf, the Palestinian Authority official who monitors Israeli settlements, told AFP the approvals were "vague and incomprehensible."

He said the approval of 700 Palestinian homes was partly a cover-up "for the construction of 6,000 settlement units to complete the outer envelope of Jerusalem, isolating it from the Palestinian territories."

The settlements are considered illegal under international law and are built on land that the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

Israel says that Palestinian intransigence, violence and incitement are the main impediments to peace.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967.

It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community and sees the entire city as its undivided capital.

The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Some 600,000 Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, along with around 2.9 million Palestinians.

Israel has given rare approval to Palestinian homes in the part of the occupied West Bank it fully controls while also backing a large settlement expansion, ahead of White House advisor Jared Kushner's key visit Wednesday.

Israel has given rare approval to Palestinian homes in the part of the occupied West Bank it fully controls while also backing a large settlement expansion, ahead of White House advisor Jared Kushner's key visit Wednesday. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity Wednesday, confirmed the approval by the country's security cabinet the previous day, ahead of the arrival by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser. The approval of 700 homes for Palestinians and 6,000 for Israeli settlers comes as the White House seeks to promote Kushner's long-awaited peace plan. It was not immediately clear if all of the homes would be new or if some already exist and are receiving retroactive approval. While the number of homes approved for Palestinians is relatively small and far outweighed by the number of settlement homes, the move could allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to argue he is making efforts to make Kushner's plan succeed. Kushner visited Jordan on Wednesday and was later on his way to Israel as part of a Middle East tour. He has said his plan will not mention a two-state solution because "it means one thing to the Israelis, it means one thing to the Palestinians." Palestinians and many governments around the world warn that continued settlement construction by Israel in the West Bank is slowly eating away at hopes for a two-state solution to the conflict. But US ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who has been a backer of Israeli settlements, reiterated his stance in an interview with CNN late Tuesday. Friedman said the United States was in favour of Palestinian "autonomy," but signalled Washington was not ready for now to support full statehood -- similar to Netanyahu's position. "The issue we have is agreeing in advance to a state because the word state conjures up with it so many potential issues that we think it does a disservice for us to use that phrase," he said. "We believe in Palestinian autonomy. We believe in Palestinian civilian self-governance. We believe that that autonomy should be extended up until the point where it interferes with Israeli security, and it's a very complicated needle to thread." He argued that the Palestinian Authority government may currently be too weak to prevent militant groups from overrunning it, resulting in a "failed state" that threatens Israel and neighbouring Jordan. Palestinian boycott The White House unveiled economic aspects of its peace plan at a conference in Bahrain in June, but it was boycotted by the Palestinians. The Palestinians froze contacts with Trump's White House after his 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and have already dismissed the peace plan as blatantly biased in favour of Israel. In addition to the Jerusalem decision, Trump's administration has taken a series of moves against the Palestinians, including cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and shutting their de facto embassy in Washington. Tuesday's approvals are for housing in the part of the West Bank known as Area C, which is under Israeli security and civilian control and where most of its settlements are located. Area C accounts for more than 60 per cent of the West Bank, the Palestinian territory that would form part of a future Palestinian state under the so-called two-state solution. Israel rarely grants approvals for Palestinian construction in that area and frequently carries out demolitions of Palestinian buildings it considers illegally built. Walid Assaf, the Palestinian Authority official who monitors Israeli settlements, told AFP the approvals were "vague and incomprehensible." He said the approval of 700 Palestinian homes was partly a cover-up "for the construction of 6,000 settlement units to complete the outer envelope of Jerusalem, isolating it from the Palestinian territories." The settlements are considered illegal under international law and are built on land that the Palestinians see as part of their future state. Israel says that Palestinian intransigence, violence and incitement are the main impediments to peace. Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community and sees the entire city as its undivided capital. The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Some 600,000 Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, along with around 2.9 million Palestinians.

Kushner visits after Israel okays homes for Palestinians, settlers

The Palestinian foreign minister said on Monday that comments by the US ambassador to Israel were intended to help Israel annex parts of the occupied West Bank, underscoring the Palestinians' distrust of the Trump administration.

The New York Times on Saturday quoted ambassador David Friedman as saying that under certain circumstances, Israel had the right to retain some of the West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April he intended to annex Jewish settlements built on land the Palestinians hope will form part of an eventual independent state.

"It seems that Friedman with his statement is trying to help Netanyahu to have the courage to take such a decision," Riyad al-Maliki said during a visit to Warsaw.

"This is really something that the international community has to stand up, has to respond," he said.

The United Nations and most countries view Israeli settlements in the West Bank, territory captured in the 1967 Middle East war, as illegal. Israel has expanded its settlements while a peace process aimed at resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict has been stalemated.

The White House will present the first part of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's separate peace plan when it holds an international conference in Bahrain in late June to encourage investment in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Palestinian officials have rebuked the US&nbsp;effort, which they believe will be heavily biased in favour of Israel.

The Trump administration recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and Palestinians have seen cuts in US&nbsp;funding that have contributed to their economic distress in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian officials did not attend a Middle East peace conference organised in Warsaw in February.

"We do trust Poland...but we cannot trust the current US&nbsp;administration after what it did against the Palestinians," al-Maliki said.

Al-Maliki said economic issues were not the Palestinians most important concern and focusing on them would not help to bring peace.

"We have said it many times, that all the money in the world, if it is being put to us in exchange for giving up on our right to Jerusalem as our capital or the right to establish our independent Palestinian state, we will choose the second and not the first."

The Palestinian foreign minister said on Monday that comments by the US ambassador to Israel were intended to help Israel annex parts of the occupied West Bank, underscoring the Palestinians' distrust of the Trump administration.

The Palestinian foreign minister said on Monday that comments by the US ambassador to Israel were intended to help Israel annex parts of the occupied West Bank, underscoring the Palestinians' distrust of the Trump administration. The New York Times on Saturday quoted ambassador David Friedman as saying that under certain circumstances, Israel had the right to retain some of the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April he intended to annex Jewish settlements built on land the Palestinians hope will form part of an eventual independent state. "It seems that Friedman with his statement is trying to help Netanyahu to have the courage to take such a decision," Riyad al-Maliki said during a visit to Warsaw. "This is really something that the international community has to stand up, has to respond," he said. The United Nations and most countries view Israeli settlements in the West Bank, territory captured in the 1967 Middle East war, as illegal. Israel has expanded its settlements while a peace process aimed at resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict has been stalemated. The White House will present the first part of US President Donald Trump's separate peace plan when it holds an international conference in Bahrain in late June to encourage investment in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestinian officials have rebuked the US effort, which they believe will be heavily biased in favour of Israel. The Trump administration recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and Palestinians have seen cuts in US funding that have contributed to their economic distress in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Palestinian officials did not attend a Middle East peace conference organised in Warsaw in February. "We do trust Poland...but we cannot trust the current US administration after what it did against the Palestinians," al-Maliki said. Al-Maliki said economic issues were not the Palestinians most important concern and focusing on them would not help to bring peace. "We have said it many times, that all the money in the world, if it is being put to us in exchange for giving up on our right to Jerusalem as our capital or the right to establish our independent Palestinian state, we will choose the second and not the first."

Palestinians say US ambassador helps Israel to annex part of West Bank

The US ambassador to Israel did not rule out an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-faces-second-election-in-months-as-netanyahu-fails-to-form-government-222605">Israeli</a> move to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, land that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-encourage-investment-in-palestinians-as-first-part-of-peace-plan-220069">Palestinians</a> seek for a state, in an interview with the New York Times published on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the run-up to an April election that he plans to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a move bound to trigger widespread international condemnation and complicate peace efforts.

The New York Times said that US&nbsp;Ambassador David Friedman had declined to say how Washington would respond to annexation, but remarked,&nbsp;"We really don’t have a view until we understand how much, on what terms, why does it make sense, why is it good for Israel, why is it good for the region, why does it not create more problems than it solves."

"These are all things that we'd want to understand, and I don't want to prejudge," Friedman said.

The White House has been working on a proposal for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, dubbed by President Donald Trump as "the deal of the century", but has not disclosed any of its details.

Watch: Trump's 'Deal of Century'&nbsp;to solve Israel-Palestine conflict

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Most countries view Israeli settlements in the West Bank, territory captured in the 1967 war, as illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical, political and religious ties as well as security needs.

Friedman said that, under certain circumstances, "Israel has the right to retain some, but unlikely all, of the West Bank".

It was unclear which West Bank territories Friedman meant and whether Israel's retention would be part of a peace accord that includes land swaps - an idea floated in past negotiations - rather than a unilateral move such as annexation.

The Trump plan had been expected to be unveiled during an economic conference in Bahrain this month. But a snap election in Israel set for Sept. 17 is likely to delay the roll-out.

Responding to Friedman's interview, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat tweeted,&nbsp;"Their vision is about annexation of occupied territory, a war crime under international law."

The Palestinian leadership has refused to deal with the Trump administration since it recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Palestinians want the eastern part of the city, captured by Israel in the 1967 war and annexed in a move unrecognised abroad, as their future capital.

In March, Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, territory that Israel captured from Syria in the same war and later annexed.

Netanyahu told Army Radio in April that Trump's Golan step showed it was possible to annex West Bank settlements "within a gradual process and I prefer to do so with American recognition".

He added,&nbsp;"I have been discussing the question of extending sovereignty with the Americans for the past six months."

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said,&nbsp;"No plan for unilateral annexation by Israel of any portion of the West Bank has been presented by Israel to the US, nor is it under discussion."

The US ambassador to Israel did not rule out an Israeli move to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, land that the Palestinians seek for a state, in an interview with the New York Times published on Saturday.

The US ambassador to Israel did not rule out an Israeli move to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, land that the Palestinians seek for a state, in an interview with the New York Times published on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the run-up to an April election that he plans to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a move bound to trigger widespread international condemnation and complicate peace efforts. The New York Times said that US Ambassador David Friedman had declined to say how Washington would respond to annexation, but remarked, "We really don’t have a view until we understand how much, on what terms, why does it make sense, why is it good for Israel, why is it good for the region, why does it not create more problems than it solves." "These are all things that we'd want to understand, and I don't want to prejudge," Friedman said. The White House has been working on a proposal for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, dubbed by President Donald Trump as "the deal of the century", but has not disclosed any of its details. Watch: Trump's 'Deal of Century' to solve Israel-Palestine conflict × Most countries view Israeli settlements in the West Bank, territory captured in the 1967 war, as illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical, political and religious ties as well as security needs. Friedman said that, under certain circumstances, "Israel has the right to retain some, but unlikely all, of the West Bank". It was unclear which West Bank territories Friedman meant and whether Israel's retention would be part of a peace accord that includes land swaps - an idea floated in past negotiations - rather than a unilateral move such as annexation. The Trump plan had been expected to be unveiled during an economic conference in Bahrain this month. But a snap election in Israel set for Sept. 17 is likely to delay the roll-out. Responding to Friedman's interview, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat tweeted, "Their vision is about annexation of occupied territory, a war crime under international law." The Palestinian leadership has refused to deal with the Trump administration since it recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Palestinians want the eastern part of the city, captured by Israel in the 1967 war and annexed in a move unrecognised abroad, as their future capital. In March, Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, territory that Israel captured from Syria in the same war and later annexed. Netanyahu told Army Radio in April that Trump's Golan step showed it was possible to annex West Bank settlements "within a gradual process and I prefer to do so with American recognition". He added, "I have been discussing the question of extending sovereignty with the Americans for the past six months." A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "No plan for unilateral annexation by Israel of any portion of the West Bank has been presented by Israel to the US, nor is it under discussion."

US envoy, in interview, does not rule out Israeli annexation in West Bank

Qatar said on Friday that economic development needed for Israeli-Palestinian peace could not be achieved without "fair political solutions" acceptable to Palestinians, referring to a US plan set to be unveiled next month.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kushner-hopes-israel-will-look-at-peace-plan-before-any-west-bank-moves-215573">White House </a>will lay out the first part of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-team-prepares-mideast-plan-palestinians-face-financial-crisis-215034">President Donald Trump's </a>long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan when it holds an international conference in Bahrain in late June.

The plan, touted by Trump as the "deal of the century," is expected to encourage investment in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by Arab donor countries before grappling with thorny political issues at the heart of the conflict.

Palestinian officials have rebuked the US&nbsp;effort, which they believe will be heavily biased in favour of Israel.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry, in a statement, commented on the upcoming conference,&nbsp;&nbsp;"Tackling these challenges requires sincerity of intent, concerted efforts from regional and international players and appropriate political conditions for economic prosperity."

"These conditions would not be achieved without fair political solutions to the issues of the peoples of the region, especially the Palestinian issue, in accordance with a framework acceptable to the brotherly Palestinian people," the statement said.

Qatar, a close US ally and home to its largest Middle East air base, has poured millions of dollars into the impoverished Gaza strip over the past year to boost its ailing economy, and this month pledged an additional $480 million to support both Gaza and the West Bank.

The tiny Gulf state has not said whether it will attend the June 25-26 conference in Manama, which is expected to include representatives and business executives from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including some finance ministers.

Chief among the Palestinians' concerns is whether the plan will meet their core demand of calling for them to have an independent state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip -- territory Israel captured in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Trump's Middle East team, led by his senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, has declined to say whether the plan includes a two-state solution, a central goal of other recent peace efforts that are widely endorsed internationally.

Qatar said on Friday that economic development needed for Israeli-Palestinian peace could not be achieved without "fair political solutions" acceptable to Palestinians, referring to a US plan set to be unveiled next month.

Qatar said on Friday that economic development needed for Israeli-Palestinian peace could not be achieved without "fair political solutions" acceptable to Palestinians, referring to a US plan set to be unveiled next month. The White House will lay out the first part of President Donald Trump's long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan when it holds an international conference in Bahrain in late June. The plan, touted by Trump as the "deal of the century," is expected to encourage investment in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by Arab donor countries before grappling with thorny political issues at the heart of the conflict. Palestinian officials have rebuked the US effort, which they believe will be heavily biased in favour of Israel. Qatar's Foreign Ministry, in a statement, commented on the upcoming conference, "Tackling these challenges requires sincerity of intent, concerted efforts from regional and international players and appropriate political conditions for economic prosperity." "These conditions would not be achieved without fair political solutions to the issues of the peoples of the region, especially the Palestinian issue, in accordance with a framework acceptable to the brotherly Palestinian people," the statement said. Qatar, a close US ally and home to its largest Middle East air base, has poured millions of dollars into the impoverished Gaza strip over the past year to boost its ailing economy, and this month pledged an additional $480 million to support both Gaza and the West Bank. The tiny Gulf state has not said whether it will attend the June 25-26 conference in Manama, which is expected to include representatives and business executives from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including some finance ministers. Chief among the Palestinians' concerns is whether the plan will meet their core demand of calling for them to have an independent state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip -- territory Israel captured in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Trump's Middle East team, led by his senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, has declined to say whether the plan includes a two-state solution, a central goal of other recent peace efforts that are widely endorsed internationally.

Qatar says economic conditions for Israeli-Palestinian peace require 'fair political solutions'

<div style="text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-trump-immigration-plan-may-increase-visas-for-highly-skilled-workers-213463&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzzZyG1_7hAhW0V3wKHY-nCBQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3qNjBvgm8F1WorsoZBEJ5S">White House senior adviser Jared Kushner</a> said on Thursday he hopes Israel will take a hard look at President Donald Trump's upcoming Middle East peace proposal before proceeding with any plan to annex West Bank settlements.</div>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed in the waning days of a re-election campaign he won on April 9 to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a move that would be bound to trigger condemnation from the Palestinians and the Arab world and complicate the US peace effort.

Kushner, speaking at a dinner of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the Middle East peace proposal he has been putting together was close to release and that Israel and the Palestinians should wait to see it before making any unilateral moves.

He said the issue would be discussed with the Israeli government when <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-sworn-into-israels-new-parliament-after-election-victory-214818&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ8oup1_7hAhVJM48KHR9uCDMQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ziDjNOENbR_f_mchGHymy">Netanyahu forms a governing coalition.</a>

"I hope both sides will take a real look at it, the Israeli side and the Palestinian side before any unilateral steps are made," Kushner said, adding he had not discussed the issue of settlement annexation with Netanyahu.

Kushner and Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt have spent the past two years developing the peace proposal in the hopes it will provide a framework for a renewed dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians.

The Palestinians have refused to talk to the US side since Trump decided to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel.

The Palestinians want to establish a state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, all territory Israel captured in 1967.

Kushner, who is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, is expected to unveil his proposals in June after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

"What we will be able to put together is a solution that we believe is a good starting point for the political issues and then an outline for what can be done to help these people start living a better life," Kushner said.

"I was given the assignment of trying to find a solution between the two sides and I think what we'll put forward is a framework that I think is realistic ... it's executable and it's something that I do think will lead to both sides being much better off," Kushner said.

POLITICAL, ECONOMIC COMPONENTS

Kushner has begun to take a more public role in the Trump administration since he emerged unscathed from US&nbsp;Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into whether the Trump presidential campaign in 2016 colluded with Russia.

Trump has relied heavily on the 38-year-old Kushner, who helped develop prison reform legislation and a new US-Mexico-Canada trade deal, and is also working on a US immigration proposal.

The Middle East proposal, which has been delayed for a variety of reasons over the past 18 months, has two major components.

It has a political piece that addresses core issues such as the status of Jerusalem, and an economic part that aims to help the Palestinians strengthen their economy.

Kushner has said the proposal is not an effort to impose the US will on the region.

He has not said whether it calls for a two-state solution, a goal of past peace efforts.

On Thursday night, he called on critics to hold their fire until they are able to see the plan in its entirety.

Palestinians have voiced scepticism about the effort led by Trump's son-in-law, who was a real estate developer before joining his father-in-law as a senior White House adviser.

Arab officials and analysts believe the plan is likely to be decidedly pro-Israel since the Trump administration has taken a tough line toward Palestinians, cutting off aid and ordering the PLO's office in Washington shut.

Greenblatt has said US&nbsp;negotiators expect Israelis and Palestinians will both be critical of some parts of the plan.

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner said on Thursday he hopes Israel will take a hard look at President Donald Trump's upcoming Middle East peace proposal before proceeding with any plan to annex West Bank settlements.

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner said on Thursday he hopes Israel will take a hard look at President Donald Trump's upcoming Middle East peace proposal before proceeding with any plan to annex West Bank settlements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed in the waning days of a re-election campaign he won on April 9 to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a move that would be bound to trigger condemnation from the Palestinians and the Arab world and complicate the US peace effort. Kushner, speaking at a dinner of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the Middle East peace proposal he has been putting together was close to release and that Israel and the Palestinians should wait to see it before making any unilateral moves. He said the issue would be discussed with the Israeli government when Netanyahu forms a governing coalition. "I hope both sides will take a real look at it, the Israeli side and the Palestinian side before any unilateral steps are made," Kushner said, adding he had not discussed the issue of settlement annexation with Netanyahu. Kushner and Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt have spent the past two years developing the peace proposal in the hopes it will provide a framework for a renewed dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinians have refused to talk to the US side since Trump decided to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel. The Palestinians want to establish a state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, all territory Israel captured in 1967. Kushner, who is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, is expected to unveil his proposals in June after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. "What we will be able to put together is a solution that we believe is a good starting point for the political issues and then an outline for what can be done to help these people start living a better life," Kushner said. "I was given the assignment of trying to find a solution between the two sides and I think what we'll put forward is a framework that I think is realistic ... it's executable and it's something that I do think will lead to both sides being much better off," Kushner said. POLITICAL, ECONOMIC COMPONENTS Kushner has begun to take a more public role in the Trump administration since he emerged unscathed from US Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into whether the Trump presidential campaign in 2016 colluded with Russia. Trump has relied heavily on the 38-year-old Kushner, who helped develop prison reform legislation and a new US-Mexico-Canada trade deal, and is also working on a US immigration proposal. The Middle East proposal, which has been delayed for a variety of reasons over the past 18 months, has two major components. It has a political piece that addresses core issues such as the status of Jerusalem, and an economic part that aims to help the Palestinians strengthen their economy. Kushner has said the proposal is not an effort to impose the US will on the region. He has not said whether it calls for a two-state solution, a goal of past peace efforts. On Thursday night, he called on critics to hold their fire until they are able to see the plan in its entirety. Palestinians have voiced scepticism about the effort led by Trump's son-in-law, who was a real estate developer before joining his father-in-law as a senior White House adviser. Arab officials and analysts believe the plan is likely to be decidedly pro-Israel since the Trump administration has taken a tough line toward Palestinians, cutting off aid and ordering the PLO's office in Washington shut. Greenblatt has said US negotiators expect Israelis and Palestinians will both be critical of some parts of the plan.

White House advisor Jared Kushner hopes Israel will look at peace plan before any West Bank moves

Israeli forces destroyed two apartments of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-palestinian-over-killing-of-israeli-woman-196320">Palestinian family accused of killing an Israeli woman</a> in February.

Soldiers surrounded the apartment located in the occupied West Bank on Thursday and later destroyed it with the use of heavy construction equipment.

Arafat Irfaiya, 29 killed Ori Ansbacher, 19 on February 8 &nbsp;in a forest on the outskirts of Jerusalem using a knife. Two days later Irfaiya was arrested by Israeli security forces.

Israeli authorities labelled it a "nationalist" attack, meaning linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel routinely demolishes the homes of Palestinians accused of attacks on Israelis as part of a policy it says discourages future violence.

Israeli forces destroyed two apartments of the Palestinian family accused of killing an Israeli woman in February. Soldiers surrounded the apartment located in the occupied West Bank on Thursday and later destroyed it with the use of heavy construction equipment.

Israeli forces destroyed two apartments of the Palestinian family accused of killing an Israeli woman in February. Soldiers surrounded the apartment located in the occupied West Bank on Thursday and later destroyed it with the use of heavy construction equipment. Arafat Irfaiya, 29 killed Ori Ansbacher, 19 on February 8 in a forest on the outskirts of Jerusalem using a knife. Two days later Irfaiya was arrested by Israeli security forces. Israeli authorities labelled it a "nationalist" attack, meaning linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel routinely demolishes the homes of Palestinians accused of attacks on Israelis as part of a policy it says discourages future violence.

Israeli forces destroy apartments of accused Palestinian

Palestinian government ministers were sworn in for a second time on Sunday after a lawyer noticed that the oath they took the day before had been missing a phrase.

Lawyer Nael Al-Hawah spotted the omission after Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh's new government was sworn in before president Mahmud Abbas on Saturday.

The oath had dropped a clause where ministers swear to be loyal "to the people and its national heritage", he said.

"I noticed the error and I posted a status update on Facebook," he told AFP.

Shtayyeh called Al-Hawah to acknowledge the error and inform him that the oath would be repeated in its entirety on Sunday, he said.

Official Palestinian news agency WAFA said the oath was indeed repeated, adding that the mistake had been caused by a "typing error."

Al-Hawah said he was familiar with the vow having closely followed Palestinian governments and because it was part of his teaching for law trainees.

He said the error could have placed the government's legality in doubt.

According to WAFA, the full oath reads: "I swear by Almighty God to be loyal to the homeland and its sanctities, to the people and its national heritage, to respect the constitutional order and the law, and to take full care of the interests of the Palestinian people."

The new ministers took office following a change of government that several analysts said was made to further isolate Hamas, at odds with the Fatah party of Abbas for more than a decade.

Abbas, 84, is seen as retaining the real decision-making authority.&nbsp;

While his term was meant to expire in 2009, Abbas has remained in office in the absence of elections since the Fatah-Hamas split.

The Palestinian Authority government is based in the occupied West Bank, while Hamas rules the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian government ministers were sworn in for a second time on Sunday after a lawyer noticed that the oath they took the day before had been missing a phrase.

Palestinian government ministers were sworn in for a second time on Sunday after a lawyer noticed that the oath they took the day before had been missing a phrase. Lawyer Nael Al-Hawah spotted the omission after Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh's new government was sworn in before president Mahmud Abbas on Saturday. The oath had dropped a clause where ministers swear to be loyal "to the people and its national heritage", he said. "I noticed the error and I posted a status update on Facebook," he told AFP. Shtayyeh called Al-Hawah to acknowledge the error and inform him that the oath would be repeated in its entirety on Sunday, he said. Official Palestinian news agency WAFA said the oath was indeed repeated, adding that the mistake had been caused by a "typing error." Al-Hawah said he was familiar with the vow having closely followed Palestinian governments and because it was part of his teaching for law trainees. He said the error could have placed the government's legality in doubt. According to WAFA, the full oath reads: "I swear by Almighty God to be loyal to the homeland and its sanctities, to the people and its national heritage, to respect the constitutional order and the law, and to take full care of the interests of the Palestinian people." The new ministers took office following a change of government that several analysts said was made to further isolate Hamas, at odds with the Fatah party of Abbas for more than a decade. Abbas, 84, is seen as retaining the real decision-making authority. While his term was meant to expire in 2009, Abbas has remained in office in the absence of elections since the Fatah-Hamas split. The Palestinian Authority government is based in the occupied West Bank, while Hamas rules the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian ministers sworn in again after oath foul-up

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?

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-how-does-the-country-vote-208213">general election on April 9</a>.

The decision to close all checkpoints and crossings from midnight (2100 GMT) Monday night was based on 'security evaluations',&nbsp;the military said in a statement.

They would only open for humanitarian and medical cases, it added.

Polling starts at 7:00 am on Tuesday and ends at 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) in Israel's closely fought parliamentary election.

Israel usually shuts its borders with the Palestinian territories on public holidays in order to prevent possible attacks.

Nearly six million people will vote on April 9 general election. As many as 47 parties contesting. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority.&nbsp;

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-the-rise-and-rise-of-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-208436">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> is also running for re-election&nbsp;against former top general Benny Gantz, a political novice campaigning on a centrist platform.

Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu had said that he would annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins another term in office.

Netanyahu has been plagued by corruption allegations throughout the election campaign after Israel's attorney general publicly announced in February that he intends to indict Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in three cases of alleged bribery and fraud, but the allegations could cloud his political future and that of any government he might head, possibly leading to a new election.

His main election rival, Gantz, has vowed to pursue peace with the Palestinians, but he has also stopped short at embracing their quest for statehood.

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9.

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9. The decision to close all checkpoints and crossings from midnight (2100 GMT) Monday night was based on 'security evaluations', the military said in a statement. They would only open for humanitarian and medical cases, it added. Polling starts at 7:00 am on Tuesday and ends at 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) in Israel's closely fought parliamentary election. Israel usually shuts its borders with the Palestinian territories on public holidays in order to prevent possible attacks. Nearly six million people will vote on April 9 general election. As many as 47 parties contesting. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also running for re-election against former top general Benny Gantz, a political novice campaigning on a centrist platform. Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu had said that he would annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins another term in office. Netanyahu has been plagued by corruption allegations throughout the election campaign after Israel's attorney general publicly announced in February that he intends to indict Netanyahu. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in three cases of alleged bribery and fraud, but the allegations could cloud his political future and that of any government he might head, possibly leading to a new election. His main election rival, Gantz, has vowed to pursue peace with the Palestinians, but he has also stopped short at embracing their quest for statehood.

Access points from Gaza, West Bank to be closed for 24 hours for election: Israel

Israeli PM plans to annex settlements in West Bank if re-elected

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

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

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

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

Israeli Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-the-rise-and-rise-of-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-208436"> Benjamin Netanyahu </a>pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-how-does-the-country-vote-208213">upcoming general election</a>.

"I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television.

Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace.

Annexation could prove to be the death knell for the two-state solution.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's annexation remark comes just three days before the April 9 general election and could be seen as an appeal to rightwing voters who don't believe in the feasibility of a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

In an interview broadcast Friday, Netanyahu said he told US President Donald Trump he would not remove settlements or people as part of a future American peace plan.

"I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television.

Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term.

The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it."

Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative.

Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement&nbsp;

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements as part of its military occupation of the territory, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem over which Israel has already implemented full sovereignty.

While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017.

The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair.

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the upcoming general election. "I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the upcoming general election. "I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television. Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace. Annexation could prove to be the death knell for the two-state solution. Netanyahu's annexation remark comes just three days before the April 9 general election and could be seen as an appeal to rightwing voters who don't believe in the feasibility of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In an interview broadcast Friday, Netanyahu said he told US President Donald Trump he would not remove settlements or people as part of a future American peace plan. "I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television. Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it." Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative. Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements as part of its military occupation of the territory, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem over which Israel has already implemented full sovereignty. While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017. The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair. Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to annex West Bank settlements after vote

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-polls-see-netanyahu-ahead-but-many-still-undecided-208162">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan.

"I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television in an interview broadcast Friday.

Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term.

The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it."

Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative.

Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement, telling Channel 13 he doubted such a request would be made.

If such a measure is tabled, Israel would pull out of Washington's plan according to Netanyahu.

Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace.

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem.

While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017.

The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair.

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Netanyahu said Friday his position on settlers had also been relayed to the former US president.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan. "I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television in an interview broadcast Friday. Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it." Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative. Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement, telling Channel 13 he doubted such a request would be made. If such a measure is tabled, Israel would pull out of Washington's plan according to Netanyahu. Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace. More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem. While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017. The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair. Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed. Netanyahu said Friday his position on settlers had also been relayed to the former US president.

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu won't move 'even one' settler for US peace plan

A Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli forces on Tuesday during clashes with troops in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said.

The Israeli military said troops opened fire after Palestinians threw rocks and explosives at them during an operation southeast of the city of Ramallah.

The Palestinian health ministry said the man had lived in Qalandia refugee camp and that three other Palestinians were wounded.

Tensions have been high in the West Bank since a Palestinian killed an Israeli soldier and a rabbi in a stabbing and shooting attack in mid-March.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

A Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli forces on Tuesday during clashes with troops in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said. The Israeli military said troops opened fire after Palestinians threw rocks and explosives at them during an operation southeast of the city of Ramallah.

A Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli forces on Tuesday during clashes with troops in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said. The Israeli military said troops opened fire after Palestinians threw rocks and explosives at them during an operation southeast of the city of Ramallah. The Palestinian health ministry said the man had lived in Qalandia refugee camp and that three other Palestinians were wounded. Tensions have been high in the West Bank since a Palestinian killed an Israeli soldier and a rabbi in a stabbing and shooting attack in mid-March. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

Israeli troops kill Palestinian man in West Bank clashes

The Palestinian Authority faces a suffocating financial crisis after deep US aid cuts and an Israeli move to withhold tax transfers, sparking fears for the stability of the West Bank.&nbsp;

The authority, headed by President Mahmud Abbas, announced a package of emergency measures on March 10, including halving the salaries of many civil servants.

The United States has cut more than $500 million in Palestinian aid in the last year, though only a fraction of that went directly to the PA.

The PA has decided to refuse what little US aid remains on offer for fear of civil suits under new legislation passed by Congress.

Israel has also announced it intends to deduct around $10 million a month in taxes it collects for the PA in a dispute over payments to the families of prisoners in Israeli jails.

In response, Abbas has refused to receive any funds at all, labelling the Israeli reductions theft.

That will leave his government with a monthly shortfall of around $190 million for the length of the crisis.

The money makes up more than 50 per cent of the PA's monthly revenues, with other funds coming from local taxes and foreign aid.

Risk of 'explosion'&nbsp;

While the impact of the cuts is still being assessed, analysts fear it could affect the stability of the occupied West Bank.

"If the economic situation remains so difficult and the PA is unable to pay salaries and provide services, in addition to continuing (Israeli) settlement expansion it will lead to an explosion," political analyst Jihad Harb said.

Abbas cut off relations with the US administration after President Donald Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017.

The right-wing Israeli government, strongly backed by the US, has since sought to squeeze Abbas.

After a deadly anti-Israeli attack last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would withhold $138 million (123 million euros) in Palestinian revenues over the course of a year.

Israel collects around $190 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through its ports, and then transfers the money to the PA.

Israel said the amount it intended to withhold was equal to what is paid by the PA to the families of prisoners, or prisoners themselves, jailed for attacks on Israelis last year.

Many Palestinians view prisoners and those killed while carrying out attacks as heroes of the fight against Israeli occupation.&nbsp;

Israel says the payments encourage further violence.

Abbas recently accused Netanyahu's government of causing a "crippling economic crisis in the Palestinian Authority."

The PA also said in January it would refuse all further US government aid for fear of lawsuits under new US legislation targeting alleged support for "terrorism".

US 'political decisions'&nbsp;

Finance Minister Shukri Bishara announced earlier this month he had been forced to "adopt an emergency budget that includes restricted austerity measures."

Government employees paid over 2,000 shekels ($555) will receive only half their salaries until further notice.

Prisoner payments would continue in full, Bishara added.

Nasser Abdel Karim, a Ramallah-based economics professor, told AFP the PA, and the Palestinian economy more generally, remain totally controlled by and reliant on Israel.

The PA undertook similar financial measures in 2012 when Israel withheld taxes over Palestinian efforts to gain international recognition at the United Nations.

Abdel Karim said such crises are "repeated and disappear according to the development of the relationship between the Palestinian Authority and Israel or the countries that support (the PA)."

Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including now annexed east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and Abbas's government has only limited autonomy in West Bank towns and cities.

"The problem is the lack of cash," economic journalist Jafar Sadaqa told AFP.&nbsp;

He said that while the PA had faced financial crises before, "this time is different because it comes as a cumulative result of political decisions taken by the United States."

Abbas appointed longtime ally Mohammad Shtayyeh as prime minister on March 10 to head a new government to oversee the crisis.

Abdel Karim believes the crisis could worsen after an Israeli general election next month "if a more right-wing Israeli government wins."

Netanyahu's outgoing government is already regarded as the most right-wing in Israel's history but on April 9 parties even further to the right have a realistic chance of winning seats in parliament for the first time.

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by the administration of President Barack Obama collapsed in the face of persistent Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

The Palestinian Authority faces a suffocating financial crisis after deep US aid cuts and an Israeli move to withhold tax transfers, sparking fears for the stability of the West Bank.

The Palestinian Authority faces a suffocating financial crisis after deep US aid cuts and an Israeli move to withhold tax transfers, sparking fears for the stability of the West Bank. The authority, headed by President Mahmud Abbas, announced a package of emergency measures on March 10, including halving the salaries of many civil servants. The United States has cut more than $500 million in Palestinian aid in the last year, though only a fraction of that went directly to the PA. The PA has decided to refuse what little US aid remains on offer for fear of civil suits under new legislation passed by Congress. Israel has also announced it intends to deduct around $10 million a month in taxes it collects for the PA in a dispute over payments to the families of prisoners in Israeli jails. In response, Abbas has refused to receive any funds at all, labelling the Israeli reductions theft. That will leave his government with a monthly shortfall of around $190 million for the length of the crisis. The money makes up more than 50 per cent of the PA's monthly revenues, with other funds coming from local taxes and foreign aid. Risk of 'explosion' While the impact of the cuts is still being assessed, analysts fear it could affect the stability of the occupied West Bank. "If the economic situation remains so difficult and the PA is unable to pay salaries and provide services, in addition to continuing (Israeli) settlement expansion it will lead to an explosion," political analyst Jihad Harb said. Abbas cut off relations with the US administration after President Donald Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017. The right-wing Israeli government, strongly backed by the US, has since sought to squeeze Abbas. After a deadly anti-Israeli attack last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would withhold $138 million (123 million euros) in Palestinian revenues over the course of a year. Israel collects around $190 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through its ports, and then transfers the money to the PA. Israel said the amount it intended to withhold was equal to what is paid by the PA to the families of prisoners, or prisoners themselves, jailed for attacks on Israelis last year. Many Palestinians view prisoners and those killed while carrying out attacks as heroes of the fight against Israeli occupation. Israel says the payments encourage further violence. Abbas recently accused Netanyahu's government of causing a "crippling economic crisis in the Palestinian Authority." The PA also said in January it would refuse all further US government aid for fear of lawsuits under new US legislation targeting alleged support for "terrorism". US 'political decisions' Finance Minister Shukri Bishara announced earlier this month he had been forced to "adopt an emergency budget that includes restricted austerity measures." Government employees paid over 2,000 shekels ($555) will receive only half their salaries until further notice. Prisoner payments would continue in full, Bishara added. Nasser Abdel Karim, a Ramallah-based economics professor, told AFP the PA, and the Palestinian economy more generally, remain totally controlled by and reliant on Israel. The PA undertook similar financial measures in 2012 when Israel withheld taxes over Palestinian efforts to gain international recognition at the United Nations. Abdel Karim said such crises are "repeated and disappear according to the development of the relationship between the Palestinian Authority and Israel or the countries that support (the PA)." Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including now annexed east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and Abbas's government has only limited autonomy in West Bank towns and cities. "The problem is the lack of cash," economic journalist Jafar Sadaqa told AFP. He said that while the PA had faced financial crises before, "this time is different because it comes as a cumulative result of political decisions taken by the United States." Abbas appointed longtime ally Mohammad Shtayyeh as prime minister on March 10 to head a new government to oversee the crisis. Abdel Karim believes the crisis could worsen after an Israeli general election next month "if a more right-wing Israeli government wins." Netanyahu's outgoing government is already regarded as the most right-wing in Israel's history but on April 9 parties even further to the right have a realistic chance of winning seats in parliament for the first time. Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by the administration of President Barack Obama collapsed in the face of persistent Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Palestinians in financial crisis after Israel, US moves

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-gaza-strikes-after-rockets-fired-at-tel-aviv-203444">Israeli forces</a> on Tuesday killed a Palestinian suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing and shooting attack in the occupied West Bank two days earlier, the Israeli Shin Bet security service said.

The assailant was killed after he opened fire at Israeli forces who had come to arrest him, the Shin Bet said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed a person had been killed in the clash, but provided no further details.&nbsp;

In what appeared to be a separate incident, the Palestinian health ministry said two more Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the West Bank city of Nablus. An Israeli army spokeswoman said the report was being looked into.

On Sunday, a suspected Palestinian assailant fatally stabbed a soldier at an intersection on a busy West Bank highway and opened fire at the scene using the conscript`s rifle, killing an Israeli rabbi and wounding a second soldier.

Palestinians, many of them people without links to armed groups, carried out a wave of attacks in the West Bank in late 2015 and 2016 but the frequency of such incidents has since decreased.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

Israeli forces on Tuesday killed a Palestinian suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing and shooting attack in the occupied West Bank two days earlier, the Israeli Shin Bet security service said.

Israeli forces on Tuesday killed a Palestinian suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing and shooting attack in the occupied West Bank two days earlier, the Israeli Shin Bet security service said. The assailant was killed after he opened fire at Israeli forces who had come to arrest him, the Shin Bet said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed a person had been killed in the clash, but provided no further details. In what appeared to be a separate incident, the Palestinian health ministry said two more Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the West Bank city of Nablus. An Israeli army spokeswoman said the report was being looked into. On Sunday, a suspected Palestinian assailant fatally stabbed a soldier at an intersection on a busy West Bank highway and opened fire at the scene using the conscript`s rifle, killing an Israeli rabbi and wounding a second soldier. Palestinians, many of them people without links to armed groups, carried out a wave of attacks in the West Bank in late 2015 and 2016 but the frequency of such incidents has since decreased. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

Israeli forces kill Palestinian suspect in West Bank killings

Hamas supporters handed out sweets to passersby and others marched on Sunday (March 17) hailing a lethal attack that killed an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank earlier in the day.

A Palestinian stabbed the Israeli soldier to death and used his rifle to wound another soldier and a Jewish settler before escaping, Israeli officials said.

The incident began at an intersection near Ariel, a large settlement, where the Palestinian, having carried out the stabbing and grabbed the slain soldier's gun, fired at three vehicles, hitting a civilian, the Israeli military said.

He then hijacked a car, driving it to another nearby junction where he shot a second soldier before continuing on to a nearby Palestinian village.

It was not immediately clear if more than one assailant was involved. Settler officials identified the wounded civilian as a local rabbi. Hospital officials said he was in critical condition.

The Islamist group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, praised the attack.

Hamas supporters handed out sweets to passersby and others marched on Sunday (March 17) hailing a lethal attack that killed an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank earlier in the day.

Hamas supporters handed out sweets to passersby and others marched on Sunday (March 17) hailing a lethal attack that killed an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank earlier in the day. A Palestinian stabbed the Israeli soldier to death and used his rifle to wound another soldier and a Jewish settler before escaping, Israeli officials said. The incident began at an intersection near Ariel, a large settlement, where the Palestinian, having carried out the stabbing and grabbed the slain soldier's gun, fired at three vehicles, hitting a civilian, the Israeli military said. He then hijacked a car, driving it to another nearby junction where he shot a second soldier before continuing on to a nearby Palestinian village. It was not immediately clear if more than one assailant was involved. Settler officials identified the wounded civilian as a local rabbi. Hospital officials said he was in critical condition. The Islamist group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, praised the attack.

Hamas supporters in Gaza hail West Bank attack

Palestinians threw a firebomb at an Israeli police post at a site revered by Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem on Tuesday, and Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including one troop said attacked them with a knife. 
 
In the walled Old City of Jerusalem, Israeli police said a firebomb damaged the police post inside a sacred compound revered by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount. 
 
Scuffles broke out at the complex between Israeli police and Palestinians. No serious injuries or damage to holy sites were reported and police said two suspects were arrested.&nbsp; 
 
Tensions in the holy compound in Jerusalem, part of the eastern sector of the city captured by Israel in a 1967 war, have risen in recent weeks after the site`s Muslim administrators reopened a mosque sealed by Israel during a Palestinian uprising in 2003.&nbsp; 
 
The UN Middle East envoy called for calm. 
 
"I am following events at the holy esplanade in Jerusalem with concern. Places of worship are for prayer, not for provocations and violence. Restraint must be shown to avoid inflaming an already tense situation," Nickolay Mladenov said on Twitter. 
 
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned what he called "the grave Israeli escalation" at the complex, which houses al-Aqsa mosque, Islam`s third holiest site. 
In the occupied West Bank, the military said a Palestinian, armed with a knife, had confronted troops in the city of Hebron and was shot and killed. It said no soldiers were injured. 
 
The Palestinian higher judicial council said the 40-year-old man had worked in a Palestinian court in Hebron. It denounced the shooting as "a despicable crime".&nbsp; 
 
In a separate incident in the West Bank, a 23-year-old Palestinian was shot dead when clashes broke out after Israeli troops entered the Palestinian town Salfit, residents and the Palestinian Health Ministry said. 
 
An Israeli army spokeswoman said soldiers had used riot-dispersal means, mainly tear gas, against dozens of Palestinians who threw stones at them and that the military did not know of any live fire being used. She provided no further details. 
 
Palestinians began a wave of knife and car-ramming attacks in the West Bank and in Israel in 2015. Such incidents have become more sporadic. 
 
Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital, all lands seized by Israel in 1967.

Palestinians threw a firebomb at an Israeli police post at a site revered by Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem on Tuesday, and Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including one troop said attacked them with a knife.

Palestinians threw a firebomb at an Israeli police post at a site revered by Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem on Tuesday, and Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including one troop said attacked them with a knife. In the walled Old City of Jerusalem, Israeli police said a firebomb damaged the police post inside a sacred compound revered by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount. Scuffles broke out at the complex between Israeli police and Palestinians. No serious injuries or damage to holy sites were reported and police said two suspects were arrested. Tensions in the holy compound in Jerusalem, part of the eastern sector of the city captured by Israel in a 1967 war, have risen in recent weeks after the site`s Muslim administrators reopened a mosque sealed by Israel during a Palestinian uprising in 2003. The UN Middle East envoy called for calm. "I am following events at the holy esplanade in Jerusalem with concern. Places of worship are for prayer, not for provocations and violence. Restraint must be shown to avoid inflaming an already tense situation," Nickolay Mladenov said on Twitter. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned what he called "the grave Israeli escalation" at the complex, which houses al-Aqsa mosque, Islam`s third holiest site. In the occupied West Bank, the military said a Palestinian, armed with a knife, had confronted troops in the city of Hebron and was shot and killed. It said no soldiers were injured. The Palestinian higher judicial council said the 40-year-old man had worked in a Palestinian court in Hebron. It denounced the shooting as "a despicable crime". In a separate incident in the West Bank, a 23-year-old Palestinian was shot dead when clashes broke out after Israeli troops entered the Palestinian town Salfit, residents and the Palestinian Health Ministry said. An Israeli army spokeswoman said soldiers had used riot-dispersal means, mainly tear gas, against dozens of Palestinians who threw stones at them and that the military did not know of any live fire being used. She provided no further details. Palestinians began a wave of knife and car-ramming attacks in the West Bank and in Israel in 2015. Such incidents have become more sporadic. Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital, all lands seized by Israel in 1967.

Unrest at Jerusalem holy site and two Palestinians killed in West Bank

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