Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid is in Paris for first one-to-one talks with the French president Emmanuel Macron. The latter received Lapid at the Élysée Palace, the talks will largely focus on the revival of nuclear talks.

Yair Lapid meets French President Emmanuel Macron, revival of Iran nuclear deal on agenda

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid has made his first foreign trip as premier. The newly sworn-in leader is on a trip to Paris where he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

WION Dispatch | Israeli PM Yair Lapid to meet Emmanuel Macron, Iran nuke deal to top agenda

In his first ever foreign trip as the Israeli caretaker, Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Tuesday met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Yair Lapid visits France on his first foreign trip as PM

<p>Warning Tehran-backed Hezbollah group against "playing with fire", Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said he will press French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday for a tougher and time-limited tack on the Iranian nuclear negotiations.</p>

<p>Deeming its caps insufficient, Israel had opposed the Iran nuclear deal which France is trying to revive.</p>

<p>In his first abroad since becoming caretaker premier last week, Lapid will meet Macron and flex his diplomatic muscles as Israelis gear up for a snap election in November.</p>

<p>It comes after the Israeli army shot down three Hezbollah drones launched toward one of its Mediterranean gas rigs.</p>

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<p>Hezbollah, led by its Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah since 1992, is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group.</p>

<p>France has additional clout in Beirut as it is Lebanon's former colonial administrator and Israel has de facto front with Iran in the Lebanon.</p>

<p>A senior Israeli official told news agency Reuters that "The French are very, very active on the Iranian issue."</p>

<p>"It is important for us to make our case ... Israel opposes a return to the JCPOA (2015 nuclear deal). In the same breath, we do not oppose a deal. We seek a very strong deal."</p>

<p>Experts believe that Western capitals are worried Israel might take preemptive military action against its arch-enemy if it deems diplomacy a dead end.</p>

<p>Calling for "coordinated pressure" on Iran and offering help on "drafting an appropriate framework" for that, the senior Israeli official said "We want an end to the unending talks."</p>

<p>Lapid would share with Macron "new material explaining how Hezbollah is endangering Lebanon," according to the official.</p>

<p>Tapping into European Union countries' quest to replace Russia as an energy supplier since it invaded Ukraine, the Karish rig near Lebanon's coast will produce gas for the European Union, the official added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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Warning Tehran-backed Hezbollah group against "playing with fire", Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said he will press French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday for a tougher and time-limited tack on the Iranian nuclear negotiations.

Warning Tehran-backed Hezbollah group against "playing with fire", Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said he will press French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday for a tougher and time-limited tack on the Iranian nuclear negotiations. Deeming its caps insufficient, Israel had opposed the Iran nuclear deal which France is trying to revive. In his first abroad since becoming caretaker premier last week, Lapid will meet Macron and flex his diplomatic muscles as Israelis gear up for a snap election in November. It comes after the Israeli army shot down three Hezbollah drones launched toward one of its Mediterranean gas rigs. × Hezbollah, led by its Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah since 1992, is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group. France has additional clout in Beirut as it is Lebanon's former colonial administrator and Israel has de facto front with Iran in the Lebanon. A senior Israeli official told news agency Reuters that "The French are very, very active on the Iranian issue." "It is important for us to make our case ... Israel opposes a return to the JCPOA (2015 nuclear deal). In the same breath, we do not oppose a deal. We seek a very strong deal." Experts believe that Western capitals are worried Israel might take preemptive military action against its arch-enemy if it deems diplomacy a dead end. Calling for "coordinated pressure" on Iran and offering help on "drafting an appropriate framework" for that, the senior Israeli official said "We want an end to the unending talks." Lapid would share with Macron "new material explaining how Hezbollah is endangering Lebanon," according to the official. Tapping into European Union countries' quest to replace Russia as an energy supplier since it invaded Ukraine, the Karish rig near Lebanon's coast will produce gas for the European Union, the official added. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid warns Hezbollah against 'playing with fire'

Israel’s caretaker Prime Minister left for a day-long visit to Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. It was the first overseas trip by Yair Lapid since he took office last week.

Israeli caretaker PM Yair Lapid embarks on maiden foreign trip

Yair Lapid held his first Cabinet meeting since taking power on June 3. He vowed to act against threats from Hezbollah, Iran. Lapid has also urged unity and respectful public debate in country.

Israel: 'Must stop Iran from gaining nukes,' says Yair Lapid

Lapid holds his first cabinet meeting | Israel destroys 3 Hezbollah drones

Israel's new PM Yair Lapid is all set to convene a cabinet meeting today. Lapid addressed the nation for the first time since becoming the PM.

PM Yair Lapid denounces violent discourse in Israel: 'Want peace with Palestinians'

Israel will also go for fifth elections in less than four years after lawmakers have voted to dissolve parliament. The elections will be held on the 1st of November and until then the foreign minister Yair Lapid will be serving as a caretaker Prime Minister.

End of Israel's 24th government, Yair Lapid to head a caretaker government

Israel’s coalition government decided Monday to dissolve parliament and call a new election, the country’s fifth in three years. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid will take over from Bennett on an interim basis in an agreement they announced together.

Israeli govt dissolves 24th parliament, calls new elections

Along with the delays in the legislative process, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced he would not be running in the next election. Meanwhile, Bennett's coalition partner, Yair Lapid will lead the government during what is expected to be a bitter election battle with opposition leader and ex-premier Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel heads to November 1 election with Yair Lapid as caretaker PM

In Israel, there is an unprecedented political crisis that is unraveling. The parliament is expected to dissolve this week. As per reports, Yair Lapid will take over as prime minister this week.

Israeli Knesset dissolution amid revival of Iran nuclear talks

Israel's coalition government led by Naftali Bennett has been dissolved. Yair Lapid is set to be interim Prime Minister of Israel. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is eyeing a comeback to power.

Israeli Knesset votes to dissolve: Yair Lapid to be interim Prime Minister

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid is in Turkey where he met with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. The meeting held amid threats by Iran against Israel. Both the countries seek an end to damaged ties.

Turkiye encourages dialogue with Israel

Israel is moving closer to the fifth election in almost four years after lawmakers gave the initial nod to dissolve parliament. The dissolution bill is expected to be finalized next week.

Israel: Coalition partners vows to block Netanyahu comeback

Israel's coalition government is soon going to collapse as Bennett and Lapid strike a deal to dissolve the parliament. Dispersal bill to be tabled shortly and as per reports, elections are likely in October this year.

Israel's foreign minister Yair Lapid to be next prime minister

Israel's coalition government is soon going to collapse as Bennett and Lapid strike a deal to dissolve the parliament. The coalition will submit a bill to dissolve the parliament.

Knesset to be dissolved: Yair Lapid to take over as caretaker PM

<p>Yair Lapid, who is a former journalist, will replace Naftali Bennett as the next prime minister of Israel as the latter could not contain the rising pressure on his fragile ruling coalition.</p>

<p>Lapid, who is currently the foreign minister of Israel, heads the largest party in the coalition of the country. The 58-year-old will serve as interim prime minister until new elections can be held.</p>

<p>Counting eight-parties broadly united on the desire to end the tenure of former premier Benjamin Netanyahu, Bennett and Lapid forged an ideologically disparate alliance one year ago.</p>

<p>But the coalition had faced growing strains as its slight majority was cut by a series of defections that put the coalition on the brink of collapse.</p>

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<p>Bennett said in a televised statement as he stood alongside Lapid, "We are standing before you today in a moment that is not easy, but with the understanding, we made the right decision for Israel."</p>

<p>According to Bennett's spokesperson, a vote will be held in parliament next week after which Lapid will take over the premiership.</p>

<p>Now, instead of Bennett, Lapid will host US President Joe Biden, who is due to visit Israel in July.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-coalition-to-dissolve-parliament-new-elections-to-be-held-490026" hreflang="en">Israel coalition to dissolve parliament; new elections to be held</a></strong></p>

<p>The move by Bennett and Lapid highlighted that Israeli governance remains in crisis as Israel is holding the fifth election in three years, according to Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank.</p>

<p>Head of a centrist party in the coalition, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said "I think the government did very good work over the past year. It's a shame the country has to be dragged into elections."</p>

<p>Israeli media reported that snap parliamentary election will likely take place in October even though the date has not yet been announced.</p>

<p>Defending his government's record, Bennett said it had boosted economic growth, cut unemployment, and eliminated the deficit for the first time in 14 years.</p>

<p>Hailing the end of "the worst government in Israel's history", Netanyahu pledged to form "a strong and stable government" of right-wingers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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Yair Lapid, who is a former journalist, will replace Naftali Bennett as the next prime minister of Israel as the latter could not contain the rising pressure on his fragile ruling coalition.

Yair Lapid, who is a former journalist, will replace Naftali Bennett as the next prime minister of Israel as the latter could not contain the rising pressure on his fragile ruling coalition. Lapid, who is currently the foreign minister of Israel, heads the largest party in the coalition of the country. The 58-year-old will serve as interim prime minister until new elections can be held. Counting eight-parties broadly united on the desire to end the tenure of former premier Benjamin Netanyahu, Bennett and Lapid forged an ideologically disparate alliance one year ago. But the coalition had faced growing strains as its slight majority was cut by a series of defections that put the coalition on the brink of collapse. × Bennett said in a televised statement as he stood alongside Lapid, "We are standing before you today in a moment that is not easy, but with the understanding, we made the right decision for Israel." According to Bennett's spokesperson, a vote will be held in parliament next week after which Lapid will take over the premiership. Now, instead of Bennett, Lapid will host US President Joe Biden, who is due to visit Israel in July. Also read | Israel coalition to dissolve parliament; new elections to be held The move by Bennett and Lapid highlighted that Israeli governance remains in crisis as Israel is holding the fifth election in three years, according to Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank. Head of a centrist party in the coalition, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said "I think the government did very good work over the past year. It's a shame the country has to be dragged into elections." Israeli media reported that snap parliamentary election will likely take place in October even though the date has not yet been announced. Defending his government's record, Bennett said it had boosted economic growth, cut unemployment, and eliminated the deficit for the first time in 14 years. Hailing the end of "the worst government in Israel's history", Netanyahu pledged to form "a strong and stable government" of right-wingers. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Explainer: Who is Yair Lapid, the former journalist who will become Israel's next prime minister?

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's coalition now seems to be on the verge of a collapse. Recently, Bennett said, 'coalition can collapse soon'. Is Israel staring at a fifth election?

Will Yair Lapid become the prime minister of Israel?

Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu visited Israel as part of ongoing efforts to improve ties between the two countries. Turkish FM met Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid during his two-day visit.

Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu visits Israel to bury differences

The Israeli parliament will open its summer session in less than a week and the fate of Naftali Bennett's coalition government hangs in the balance. Also, Bennett met Islamist Ra'am Party's leader Mansour Abbas for the first time since the coalition government was effectively suspended. WION speaks to Jeremy Saltan, Political Advisor to Israeli PM for more insights.

WION Exclusive: Bennett, Lapid united on Russia-Ukraine war, says Jeremy Saltan

Israel's parliament reopened on Monday to start the summer session as the coalition hangs by a thread after losing its majority, and the opposition vows to bring it down.

Israel's parliament reopens, opposition mulls no-confidence motion

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised for remarks made by his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concerning Hitler and Jews during a phone discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett earlier this week, according to a statement from Bennett's office.</p>

<p>The two leaders talked over the phone on Thursday, after which an Israeli statement said Putin had apologised.</p>

<p>The Thursday statement said, "The Prime Minister accepted President Putin's apology for Lavrov's remarks and thanked him for clarifying the President's attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there was no mention of an apology in the Russian statement following the call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead, they emphasised the importance of commemorating the Nazi defeat in World War II, which Russia commemorates on Monday, according to the statement.</p>

<p>After Lavrov attempted to justify Moscow's stated goal of "de-Nazifying" Ukraine — a baseless portrayal of the country, which is led by a Jewish president — by claiming Adolf Hitler had "Jewish blood" and that "the most ardent anti-Semites are usually Jews," a bitter war of words erupted between the two countries.</p>

<p>Following that, Israel's foreign ministry summoned Russia's envoy for discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bennett termed the claims "false," while Yair Lapid, Israel's foreign minister, called them "unforgivable and obscene."</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised for remarks made by his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concerning Hitler and Jews during a phone discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett earlier this week, according to a statement from Bennett's office.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised for remarks made by his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concerning Hitler and Jews during a phone discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett earlier this week, according to a statement from Bennett's office. The two leaders talked over the phone on Thursday, after which an Israeli statement said Putin had apologised. The Thursday statement said, "The Prime Minister accepted President Putin's apology for Lavrov's remarks and thanked him for clarifying the President's attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust." However, there was no mention of an apology in the Russian statement following the call. Instead, they emphasised the importance of commemorating the Nazi defeat in World War II, which Russia commemorates on Monday, according to the statement. After Lavrov attempted to justify Moscow's stated goal of "de-Nazifying" Ukraine — a baseless portrayal of the country, which is led by a Jewish president — by claiming Adolf Hitler had "Jewish blood" and that "the most ardent anti-Semites are usually Jews," a bitter war of words erupted between the two countries. Following that, Israel's foreign ministry summoned Russia's envoy for discussions. Bennett termed the claims "false," while Yair Lapid, Israel's foreign minister, called them "unforgivable and obscene." WATCH WION LIVE HERE Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Russian President apologises for Lavrov’s Hitler remarks, Israel’s PM says

Hitler's 'Jewish' blood: An old conspiracy theory

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Israel on Monday slammed the comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that hinted that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had Jewish roots.</p>

<p>The Russian ambassador to Israel has been summoned by Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid for "a tough talk".</p>

<p>Lapid told the YNet news website, "It is an unforgivable, scandalous statement, a terrible historical mistake, and we expect an apology."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Foreign Minister Lavrov’s remarks are both an unforgivable and outrageous statement as well as a terrible historical error. Jews did not murder themselves in the Holocaust. The lowest level of racism against Jews is to accuse Jews themselves of antisemitism.</p>
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid🟠 (@yairlapid) <a href="https://twitter.com/yairlapid/status/1521024411129765888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has called its attack on Ukraine a ''special military operation'' to ''demilitarise'' and ''denazify'' its neighbour as Kyiv's President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling Lavrov's remarks "an insult and a severe blow to the victims of the real Nazism," Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem, Israel's memorial to the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust, said he was spreading "an antisemitic conspiracy theory with no basis in fact".</p>

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<p>Lavrov told an Italian interpreter "When they say 'What sort of nazification is this if we are Jews', well I think that Hitler also had Jewish origins, so it means nothing."</p>

<p>"For a long time now we've been hearing the wise Jewish people say that the biggest anti-Semites are the Jews themselves," he added.</p>

<p>Foreign relations experts believe that the remarks can trigger a steep decline in the ties between the two countries at a time when Israel has sought to stake out a neutral position between Russia and Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-foreign-minister-says-may-9-not-a-relevant-date-for-ukraine-operations-475612" hreflang="en">Russia's foreign minister says May 9 not a relevant date for Ukraine operations</a></strong></p>

<p>As Russia continues to attack Ukraine, nazism has featured prominently in its war aims with Putin trying to portray the battle as a struggle with Nazis in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Condemning Lavrov's remarks, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted “By trying to rewrite history, Moscow is simply looking for arguments to justify the mass murders of Ukrainians.”</p>

<p>The Soviet Union, which helped in defeating Nazi Germany, lost approximately 27 million people during World War II. It later became a linchpin of Russia's identity, with Moscow trying to portray itself as a savior against evil forces.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Israel on Monday slammed the comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that hinted that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had Jewish roots. The Russian ambassador to Israel has been summoned by Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid for "a tough talk". Lapid told the YNet news website, "It is an unforgivable, scandalous statement, a terrible historical mistake, and we expect an apology." Foreign Minister Lavrov’s remarks are both an unforgivable and outrageous statement as well as a terrible historical error. Jews did not murder themselves in the Holocaust. The lowest level of racism against Jews is to accuse Jews themselves of antisemitism. — יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid🟠 (@yairlapid) May 2, 2022 × Russian President Vladimir Putin has called its attack on Ukraine a ''special military operation'' to ''demilitarise'' and ''denazify'' its neighbour as Kyiv's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Calling Lavrov's remarks "an insult and a severe blow to the victims of the real Nazism," Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem, Israel's memorial to the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust, said he was spreading "an antisemitic conspiracy theory with no basis in fact". Lavrov told an Italian interpreter "When they say 'What sort of nazification is this if we are Jews', well I think that Hitler also had Jewish origins, so it means nothing." "For a long time now we've been hearing the wise Jewish people say that the biggest anti-Semites are the Jews themselves," he added. Foreign relations experts believe that the remarks can trigger a steep decline in the ties between the two countries at a time when Israel has sought to stake out a neutral position between Russia and Ukraine. Also read | Russia's foreign minister says May 9 not a relevant date for Ukraine operations As Russia continues to attack Ukraine, nazism has featured prominently in its war aims with Putin trying to portray the battle as a struggle with Nazis in Ukraine. Condemning Lavrov's remarks, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted “By trying to rewrite history, Moscow is simply looking for arguments to justify the mass murders of Ukrainians.” The Soviet Union, which helped in defeating Nazi Germany, lost approximately 27 million people during World War II. It later became a linchpin of Russia's identity, with Moscow trying to portray itself as a savior against evil forces. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Israel slams Russian foreign minister Lavrov's remark that Hitler had Jewish roots

<p>Israel and the United States will cooperate in preventing a nuclear-armed Iran despite disagreements they have over an emerging nuclear deal, Israel's foreign minister said on Sunday.</p>

<p>"We have disagreements about a nuclear agreement and its consequences, but open and honest dialogue is part of the strength of our friendship," Yair Lapid said in Jerusalem during a joint press conference with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.</p>

<p>"Israel and the United States will continue to work together to prevent a nuclear Iran."</p>

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<p>Speaking alongside his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid, Blinken said the US believes restoring the agreement was "the best way to put Iran's programme back in the box that it was in but has escaped" after the US withdrew from the deal under former president Donald Trump in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite long-standing disagreements with Israel over the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Blinken stressed that "when it comes to the most important element, we see eye-to-eye".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are both committed, both determined, that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon."</p>

<p>Iran insists its nuclear programme is for civilian use only. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-agreement-with-iran-very-close-says-eu-465690" hreflang="en">Nuclear agreement with Iran very close, says EU</a></strong></p>

<p>Lapid said Israel had "disagreements" with Washington about the Iranian nuclear issue, which it was airing with its key ally in "open and honest dialogue".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Israel will do anything we believe is needed to stop the Iranian nuclear programme. Anything," Lapid said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From our point of view, the Iranian threat is not theoretical. The Iranians want to destroy Israel. They will not succeed. We will not let them."</p>

<p>Blinken’s trip was rescheduled several times due to developments in Ukraine, and he arrived late Saturday in Israel from Warsaw after breaking off from President Joe Biden’s Ukraine-dominated visit to Belgium and Poland.</p>

<p>Blinken’s visit also comes as talks over salvaging a landmark nuclear deal with Iran are winding down amid fears in Israel and among Gulf Arab nations that an agreement may not be tough enough to curb Tehran’s regional aggressiveness.</p>

<p>Israel fiercely opposed the initial accord, which promised its enemy Iran sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme, and has said that a revived agreement will not do nearly enough to curb the Iranian threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Underscoring regional anxieties, Israel’s government has hastily arranged a meeting of top diplomats from Arab countries that have normalized relations with Israel.</p>

<p>In addition to Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, their counterparts from Bahrain, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates will attend.</p>

<p>Those three countries normalised relations with Israel in 2020 in the so-called Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel and the United States will cooperate in preventing a nuclear-armed Iran despite disagreements they have over an emerging nuclear deal, Israel's foreign minister said on Sunday.

Israel and the United States will cooperate in preventing a nuclear-armed Iran despite disagreements they have over an emerging nuclear deal, Israel's foreign minister said on Sunday. "We have disagreements about a nuclear agreement and its consequences, but open and honest dialogue is part of the strength of our friendship," Yair Lapid said in Jerusalem during a joint press conference with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "Israel and the United States will continue to work together to prevent a nuclear Iran." Speaking alongside his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid, Blinken said the US believes restoring the agreement was "the best way to put Iran's programme back in the box that it was in but has escaped" after the US withdrew from the deal under former president Donald Trump in 2018. Despite long-standing disagreements with Israel over the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Blinken stressed that "when it comes to the most important element, we see eye-to-eye". "We are both committed, both determined, that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon." Iran insists its nuclear programme is for civilian use only. Also read | Nuclear agreement with Iran very close, says EU Lapid said Israel had "disagreements" with Washington about the Iranian nuclear issue, which it was airing with its key ally in "open and honest dialogue". "Israel will do anything we believe is needed to stop the Iranian nuclear programme. Anything," Lapid said. "From our point of view, the Iranian threat is not theoretical. The Iranians want to destroy Israel. They will not succeed. We will not let them." Blinken’s trip was rescheduled several times due to developments in Ukraine, and he arrived late Saturday in Israel from Warsaw after breaking off from President Joe Biden’s Ukraine-dominated visit to Belgium and Poland. Blinken’s visit also comes as talks over salvaging a landmark nuclear deal with Iran are winding down amid fears in Israel and among Gulf Arab nations that an agreement may not be tough enough to curb Tehran’s regional aggressiveness. Israel fiercely opposed the initial accord, which promised its enemy Iran sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme, and has said that a revived agreement will not do nearly enough to curb the Iranian threat. Underscoring regional anxieties, Israel’s government has hastily arranged a meeting of top diplomats from Arab countries that have normalized relations with Israel. In addition to Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, their counterparts from Bahrain, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates will attend. Those three countries normalised relations with Israel in 2020 in the so-called Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel working with United States to prevent nuclear Iran: Foreign Minister Yair Lapid

<p>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is going to Israel for a snap visit on Tuesday as war rages in Europe.</p>

<p>It comes after Israel's Foreign Minster Yair Lapid spoke with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, about Israel's offer of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit is significant because of Germany's anti-semitic past. Israel will always be marked by the Shoah, Nazi Germany's mass murder of 6 million Jews. And yet the relationship has developed impressively since 1965, the year full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.</p>

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<p>Often described as predictable and "robotic", Chancellor Olaf Scholz has become emboldened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, smashing policy taboos to steer Germany into "a new era" that could reshape its role on the world stage.</p>

<p>Just a few weeks ago, German media were openly asking "where is Scholz?", slamming the Social Democrat's perceived lack of leadership on pressing issues like the coronavirus pandemic and worsening Ukraine crisis.</p>

<p>But Moscow's attack on Ukraine last week has jolted the chancellor into action, culminating in what commentators have called a "historic" speech on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/germany-to-intensify-cooperation-in-indo-pacific-envoy-lindner-446801">Also read |&nbsp;Germany to intensify cooperation in Indo-Pacific: Envoy Lindner</a></strong></p>

<p>Scholz, who has only been in office three months, spoke with uncharacteristic clarity when he unveiled a slew of defence and foreign policy shifts that promise to upend Germany's decades-long reluctance to raising its military profile.</p>

<p>Addressing an emergency parliamentary session, Scholz told the nation that "we are now in a new era".</p>

<p>In a country haunted by post-war guilt, Scholz assured Germans that they were "on the right side of history" as Ukraine's allies.</p>

<p>Among the headline-grabbing announcements was a pledge to earmark 100 billion euros ($113 billion) this year alone to modernise the chronically underfunded the army, called the Bundeswehr.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-work-together-with-the-west-says-putin-in-joint-press-conference-with-olaf-scholz-453543">Also read |&nbsp;'Ready to work together' with the West, says Putin in joint press conference with Olaf Scholz</a></strong></p>

<p>Scholz also said that Europe's biggest economy would commit to spending more than two percent of Germany's gross domestic product on defence annually, surpassing even NATO's target.</p>

<p>After facing criticism for refusing to send weapons to Kyiv, unlike other Western allies, Scholz said Berlin will supply Ukraine with 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles from Bundeswehr stocks.</p>

<p>Berlin also approved the delivery of 400 RPGs from the Netherlands and a request by Estonia to pass on old GDR howitzers to Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is going to Israel for a snap visit on Tuesday as war rages in Europe. It comes after Israel's Foreign Minster Yair Lapid spoke with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, about Israel's offer of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is going to Israel for a snap visit on Tuesday as war rages in Europe. It comes after Israel's Foreign Minster Yair Lapid spoke with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, about Israel's offer of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The visit is significant because of Germany's anti-semitic past. Israel will always be marked by the Shoah, Nazi Germany's mass murder of 6 million Jews. And yet the relationship has developed impressively since 1965, the year full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. Often described as predictable and "robotic", Chancellor Olaf Scholz has become emboldened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, smashing policy taboos to steer Germany into "a new era" that could reshape its role on the world stage. Just a few weeks ago, German media were openly asking "where is Scholz?", slamming the Social Democrat's perceived lack of leadership on pressing issues like the coronavirus pandemic and worsening Ukraine crisis. But Moscow's attack on Ukraine last week has jolted the chancellor into action, culminating in what commentators have called a "historic" speech on Sunday. Also read | Germany to intensify cooperation in Indo-Pacific: Envoy Lindner Scholz, who has only been in office three months, spoke with uncharacteristic clarity when he unveiled a slew of defence and foreign policy shifts that promise to upend Germany's decades-long reluctance to raising its military profile. Addressing an emergency parliamentary session, Scholz told the nation that "we are now in a new era". In a country haunted by post-war guilt, Scholz assured Germans that they were "on the right side of history" as Ukraine's allies. Among the headline-grabbing announcements was a pledge to earmark 100 billion euros ($113 billion) this year alone to modernise the chronically underfunded the army, called the Bundeswehr. Also read | 'Ready to work together' with the West, says Putin in joint press conference with Olaf Scholz Scholz also said that Europe's biggest economy would commit to spending more than two percent of Germany's gross domestic product on defence annually, surpassing even NATO's target. After facing criticism for refusing to send weapons to Kyiv, unlike other Western allies, Scholz said Berlin will supply Ukraine with 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles from Bundeswehr stocks. Berlin also approved the delivery of 400 RPGs from the Netherlands and a request by Estonia to pass on old GDR howitzers to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to visit Israel

"We are grateful for the friendship and support of the people of India," Israel's foreign minister Yair Lapid says in an exclusive message for WION viewers, as India and Israel mark 30 years of diplomatic ties.

Israel grateful for Indian support, says Yair Lapid

Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid distanced the government from the NSO Group, a firm blacklisted this week by the United States over alleged misuse of its phone-hacking spyware.

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid distances government from blacklisted NSO Group

<p>The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries.</p>

<p>During the quadrilateral meeting, possibilities for joint infrastructure projects in the fields of transportation, technology, maritime security, economics, and trade were discussed.</p>

<p>As part of the virtual meeting on Monday, Jaishankar, currently in Israel on a five-day visit, was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart, Yair Lapid.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abraham-accords-dividend-india-us-uae-israel-foreign-ministers-to-hold-meeting-421701">Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE &amp; Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, participated virtually, as the four leaders exchanged views on regional issues of concern.</p>

<p>"The ministers decided to establish an international forum for economic cooperation," said a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after the meeting.</p>

<p>According to the statement, each minister will appoint a senior professional to a joint working group that will formulate options for cooperation in the areas identified by them.</p>

<p>The statement added that the ministers intend to hold an in-person meeting in the coming months at Expo 2020 in Dubai.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Foreign minister of the 4 nations meet virtually</strong></p>

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<p>"I think the word we're looking for here is synergy because this is what we're going to try and create starting with this meeting. Synergy that will help us work together on infrastructure, digital infrastructure, transport, maritime security and other things that preoccupy us all," said the Israeli Foreign Minister, who initiated the meeting during his visit to Washington, said at the start of the meeting Monday evening.</p>

<p>"The key to success is how quickly can we move from 'government-to-government' to 'business-to-business'," Lapid said. "How quickly can we turn this into a working process that will put boots on the ground, changing infrastructure around the world."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-israel-agree-to-start-fta-negotiation-vaccine-certificate-recognition-421779">India, Israel agree to start FTA negotiation, vaccine certificate recognition</a></strong></p>

<p>Jaishankar called the meeting "fruitful," saying they discussed how to work together more closely on global issues and economic growth.&nbsp;"Agreed on expeditious follow-up," he said in a tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A fruitful first meeting with Israeli APM and FM <a href="https://twitter.com/yairlapid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YairLapid</a>, UAE FM <a href="https://twitter.com/ABZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABZayed</a> and US Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> this evening.<br />
<br />
Discussed working together more closely on economic growth and global issues. Agreed on expeditious follow-up. <a href="https://t.co/kVgFM0r6hs">pic.twitter.com/kVgFM0r6hs</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1450199506696355841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I think it is very clear that on the big issues of our times we all think very similarly and what would be helpful would be if we could agree on some practical things to work upon," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, an article in the Jerusalem Post newspaper noted the economic and defence industry advantages of the new ties and the potential to synergize the network of ties between Washington, Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi, and New Delhi.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION tracks Jaishankar's Israel visit, economic growth and global issues on top agenda</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-tracks-jaishankars-israel-visit-economic-growth-and-global-issues-on-top-agenda-422105/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"That means that the whole can be more than the sum of its parts," it said.</p>

<p>Citing the growing power of near-peer rivals such as Russia and China, as well as regional states that oppose US policy, such as Iran and Turkey, the article said "That may be where the US-UAE-Israel-India connection comes together most of all, in presenting a moderate alternative to the aggressive extremist and authoritarian countries."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries.

The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries. During the quadrilateral meeting, possibilities for joint infrastructure projects in the fields of transportation, technology, maritime security, economics, and trade were discussed. As part of the virtual meeting on Monday, Jaishankar, currently in Israel on a five-day visit, was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart, Yair Lapid. Also Read: Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE & Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, participated virtually, as the four leaders exchanged views on regional issues of concern. "The ministers decided to establish an international forum for economic cooperation," said a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after the meeting. According to the statement, each minister will appoint a senior professional to a joint working group that will formulate options for cooperation in the areas identified by them. The statement added that the ministers intend to hold an in-person meeting in the coming months at Expo 2020 in Dubai. Watch | Foreign minister of the 4 nations meet virtually "I think the word we're looking for here is synergy because this is what we're going to try and create starting with this meeting. Synergy that will help us work together on infrastructure, digital infrastructure, transport, maritime security and other things that preoccupy us all," said the Israeli Foreign Minister, who initiated the meeting during his visit to Washington, said at the start of the meeting Monday evening. "The key to success is how quickly can we move from 'government-to-government' to 'business-to-business'," Lapid said. "How quickly can we turn this into a working process that will put boots on the ground, changing infrastructure around the world." Also read | India, Israel agree to start FTA negotiation, vaccine certificate recognition Jaishankar called the meeting "fruitful," saying they discussed how to work together more closely on global issues and economic growth. "Agreed on expeditious follow-up," he said in a tweet. A fruitful first meeting with Israeli APM and FM @YairLapid, UAE FM @ABZayed and US Secretary of State @SecBlinken this evening. Discussed working together more closely on economic growth and global issues. Agreed on expeditious follow-up. pic.twitter.com/kVgFM0r6hs — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 18, 2021 × "I think it is very clear that on the big issues of our times we all think very similarly and what would be helpful would be if we could agree on some practical things to work upon," he said. Meanwhile, an article in the Jerusalem Post newspaper noted the economic and defence industry advantages of the new ties and the potential to synergize the network of ties between Washington, Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi, and New Delhi. Watch | WION tracks Jaishankar's Israel visit, economic growth and global issues on top agenda "That means that the whole can be more than the sum of its parts," it said. Citing the growing power of near-peer rivals such as Russia and China, as well as regional states that oppose US policy, such as Iran and Turkey, the article said "That may be where the US-UAE-Israel-India connection comes together most of all, in presenting a moderate alternative to the aggressive extremist and authoritarian countries." (With inputs from agencies)

Virtual quadrilateral meet: India, Israel, US and UAE agree to establish joint economic forum

India's EAM S Jaishankar is in Israel for the first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus is a quadrilateral meet between the US, India, Israel and the UAE. Watch this report for more.

Indian EAM S Jaishankar meets Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid

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