India's EAM Dr S Jaishankar in an exclusive conversation with WION over his high-level meet in Israel. It is India's 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.

'India-Israel relationship deeply rooted,' S Jaishankar in an exclusive conversation with WION

India's&nbsp;minister of external affairs, Dr S Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to Israel. It is the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new Israeli government headed by Naftali Bennett.

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>

At the Kadavumbagam synagogue at the Israel's museum, speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Jaishankar talked about the ties shared by the two countries, their people and what the diplomatic ties in the next thirty years are expected to look like.

Talking about the deep civilisation bonds between the two countries, the Indian external minister said that the relationship between India and Israel "is rooted in history but very much a part of modernity as well".

Also read |&nbsp;<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>

Regarding his hopes for the future of the relationship, he said, "Our relationship in the last many years has covered areas like agriculture, water, (and) to some degree defence security. But now we are looking much more at technology and innovation," Jaishankar said.

"I would say human-centric activities because that's where the world is heading. It could be in terms of the green economy, it could be in terms of the frontiers of different technologies. So I'm very sure that the next thirty years, would be way beyond the last thirty years," India's EAM added.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-pays-homage-to-indian-soldiers-at-war-cemetery-in-israel-421580">Jaishankar pays homage to Indian soldiers at war cemetery in Israel</a>

Jaishankar had&nbsp;commenced his visit on Sunday&nbsp;by laying wreaths at a cemetery for Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the region during World War I in Talpiot, Jerusalem.&nbsp;

On Monday, after successful diplomatic talks between Jaishankar and Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid, India and Israel agreed to start free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations starting from November. The two countries have agreed "in principle" on mutual recognition of COVID-19&nbsp;vaccination certification.

Watch |&nbsp;Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visits Israel, holds meet with Naftali Bennett govt

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-visits-israel-holds-meet-with-naftali-bennett-govt-421805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India's minister of external affairs, Dr S Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to Israel. It is the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new Israeli government headed by Naftali Bennett.

India's minister of external affairs, Dr S Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to Israel. It is the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new Israeli government headed by Naftali Bennett. Also read | India, Israel agree to start FTA negotiation, vaccine certificate recognition At the Kadavumbagam synagogue at the Israel's museum, speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Jaishankar talked about the ties shared by the two countries, their people and what the diplomatic ties in the next thirty years are expected to look like. Talking about the deep civilisation bonds between the two countries, the Indian external minister said that the relationship between India and Israel "is rooted in history but very much a part of modernity as well". Also read | Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE & Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting Regarding his hopes for the future of the relationship, he said, "Our relationship in the last many years has covered areas like agriculture, water, (and) to some degree defence security. But now we are looking much more at technology and innovation," Jaishankar said. "I would say human-centric activities because that's where the world is heading. It could be in terms of the green economy, it could be in terms of the frontiers of different technologies. So I'm very sure that the next thirty years, would be way beyond the last thirty years," India's EAM added. Also Read | Jaishankar pays homage to Indian soldiers at war cemetery in Israel Jaishankar had commenced his visit on Sunday by laying wreaths at a cemetery for Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the region during World War I in Talpiot, Jerusalem. On Monday, after successful diplomatic talks between Jaishankar and Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid, India and Israel agreed to start free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations starting from November. The two countries have agreed "in principle" on mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certification. Watch | Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visits Israel, holds meet with Naftali Bennett govt

Exclusive: India's EAM Jaishankar speaks to WION on India-Israel ties

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid flew to Bahrain on the highest-level Israeli visit to the Gulf state since the countries established formal relations last year.

Israel foreign minister Yair Lapid visits Bahrain; focus on bilateral deals, talks on economy

We have seen a visit this week to Israel by Egypt and an invitation to reciprocate. So, what exactly is brewing in West Asia? WION's Correspondent Jodie Cohen brings you a report.

Israeli PM planning first visit to meet Egypt's Sisi

The foreign ministers of Morocco and Israel signed three accords on Wednesday during the first visit by a top official from the Jewish state since ties were normalised last year.

Nasser Bourita and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid signed agreements on political consultations, aviation, and culture.

Lapid told reporters the accords would "bring our countries innovation and opportunities for the benefit of our children,&nbsp;and their children,&nbsp;for years to come".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-foreign-minister-yair-lapid-heads-to-morocco-for-landmark-visit-404598">Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid heads to Morocco for landmark visit</a>

Bourita hosted Lapid in the first visit by Israel's top diplomat to the North African kingdom since 2003, after the two countries agreed in December to resume diplomatic relations under a US-brokered deal.

Those accords, engineered by former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, also saw Washington recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, in a diplomatic boon for Rabat.

Morocco and Israel relaunched direct flights last month, and during a meeting at the Moroccan foreign ministry on Wednesday, Bourita and Lapid signed three cooperation agreements dealing with diplomatic consultation, culture and air transit.

"Our ties with Israel are unlike any other ties," Bourita, standing alongside Lapid, told reporters, saying that Morocco's Jewish heritage was a core component of its identity.

But reiterating Morocco's long-standing support for the Palestinians, Bourita said: "There is a need to restore trust between all parties ... and refrain from fuelling tension in order to pave the way for a political solution based on the two-state solution."

Morocco was one of four Arab countries, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan&nbsp;to move towards normalising relations with Israel last year under US-engineered accords.

Those agreements angered Palestinians, who have long relied on Arab support in their quest for statehood in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. Until last year, only two Arab states - Egypt and Jordan - had forged full ties with Israel.

Moroccan officials say they have restored the mid-level relations that Rabat cooled in 2000 in solidarity with the Palestinians, who launched an uprising that year.

Lapid said Israel's upgraded ties with Morocco would bring "benefits (for) tourism and the economy, for trade and cultural exchange, (and) for friendship and cooperation."

During his two-day visit, Lapid will inaugurate Israel's diplomatic mission in Rabat and visit Casablanca's Temple Beth-El,&nbsp;a centrepiece of the country's historic Jewish community.

Morocco had one of the largest Jewish communities in the region until Israel's founding in 1948. As Jews fled or were expelled from many Arab countries, an estimated 250,000 left Morocco for Israel from 1948 to 1964.

Only about 3,000 Jews remain in Morocco, but hundreds of thousands of Israelis claim some Moroccan ancestry.

Andre Levy, an Israeli of Moroccan Jewish descent who was born in Casablanca and was visiting Morocco with his two children, said the upgraded relations would bring more tourism.

"Even before ties resumed I used to visit regularly. But now more Israelis from the second and third generation will come," Levy said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The foreign ministers of Morocco and Israel signed three accords on Wednesday during the first visit by a top official from the Jewish state since ties were normalised last year.

The foreign ministers of Morocco and Israel signed three accords on Wednesday during the first visit by a top official from the Jewish state since ties were normalised last year. Nasser Bourita and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid signed agreements on political consultations, aviation, and culture. Lapid told reporters the accords would "bring our countries innovation and opportunities for the benefit of our children, and their children, for years to come". Also read | Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid heads to Morocco for landmark visit Bourita hosted Lapid in the first visit by Israel's top diplomat to the North African kingdom since 2003, after the two countries agreed in December to resume diplomatic relations under a US-brokered deal. Those accords, engineered by former US President Donald Trump, also saw Washington recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, in a diplomatic boon for Rabat. Morocco and Israel relaunched direct flights last month, and during a meeting at the Moroccan foreign ministry on Wednesday, Bourita and Lapid signed three cooperation agreements dealing with diplomatic consultation, culture and air transit. "Our ties with Israel are unlike any other ties," Bourita, standing alongside Lapid, told reporters, saying that Morocco's Jewish heritage was a core component of its identity. But reiterating Morocco's long-standing support for the Palestinians, Bourita said: "There is a need to restore trust between all parties ... and refrain from fuelling tension in order to pave the way for a political solution based on the two-state solution." Morocco was one of four Arab countries, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan to move towards normalising relations with Israel last year under US-engineered accords. Those agreements angered Palestinians, who have long relied on Arab support in their quest for statehood in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. Until last year, only two Arab states - Egypt and Jordan - had forged full ties with Israel. Moroccan officials say they have restored the mid-level relations that Rabat cooled in 2000 in solidarity with the Palestinians, who launched an uprising that year. Lapid said Israel's upgraded ties with Morocco would bring "benefits (for) tourism and the economy, for trade and cultural exchange, (and) for friendship and cooperation." During his two-day visit, Lapid will inaugurate Israel's diplomatic mission in Rabat and visit Casablanca's Temple Beth-El, a centrepiece of the country's historic Jewish community. Morocco had one of the largest Jewish communities in the region until Israel's founding in 1948. As Jews fled or were expelled from many Arab countries, an estimated 250,000 left Morocco for Israel from 1948 to 1964. Only about 3,000 Jews remain in Morocco, but hundreds of thousands of Israelis claim some Moroccan ancestry. Andre Levy, an Israeli of Moroccan Jewish descent who was born in Casablanca and was visiting Morocco with his two children, said the upgraded relations would bring more tourism. "Even before ties resumed I used to visit regularly. But now more Israelis from the second and third generation will come," Levy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel and Morocco sign three deals to mark historic visit

Israel and Morocco normalised ties last year after then US President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's contested sovereignty in Western Sahara.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid heads to Morocco for landmark visit

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid left&nbsp;for Morocco Wednesday on the first official visit since Rabat joined three other Arab countries in normalising ties last year.

"Taking off for a historic visit to Morocco!" Lapid wrote on Twitter, posting a photograph of the El Al airline departures screen.&nbsp;

Israel and Morocco normalised ties last year after then US President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's contested sovereignty in Western Sahara.&nbsp;

Morocco was the fourth Arab state to establish ties with Israel last year after the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan.

The move infuriated the Palestinians as it shattered the longstanding Arab consensus that there should be no normalisation until Israel agrees to a comprehensive and lasting peace.&nbsp;

Lapid is scheduled to open a diplomatic office in Rabat and hold talks with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.&nbsp;

He is also expected to visit the Beth-El synagogue in Casablanca on his two-day visit, the Israeli foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

The North African country hosts the Arab world's largest Jewish community of some 3,000 people.&nbsp;

They are the remnant of a once much larger community. Some 700,000 Jews of Moroccan descent now live in Israel.

Morocco and Israel maintained liaison offices in the 1990s, before closing them during the second&nbsp;Palestinian intifada, or uprising, that raged from 2000 to 2005.

Lapid's visit to Rabat follows a June trip to the United Arab Emirates, where he inaugurated the new Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi.

It comes just days before Israel is due to require all travellers returning from Morocco to quarantine following a review of the risks of Covid-19 infection.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid left for Morocco Wednesday on the first official visit since Rabat joined three other Arab countries in normalising ties last year.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid left for Morocco Wednesday on the first official visit since Rabat joined three other Arab countries in normalising ties last year. "Taking off for a historic visit to Morocco!" Lapid wrote on Twitter, posting a photograph of the El Al airline departures screen. Israel and Morocco normalised ties last year after then US President Donald Trump recognised Morocco's contested sovereignty in Western Sahara. Morocco was the fourth Arab state to establish ties with Israel last year after the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan. The move infuriated the Palestinians as it shattered the longstanding Arab consensus that there should be no normalisation until Israel agrees to a comprehensive and lasting peace. Lapid is scheduled to open a diplomatic office in Rabat and hold talks with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. He is also expected to visit the Beth-El synagogue in Casablanca on his two-day visit, the Israeli foreign ministry said. The North African country hosts the Arab world's largest Jewish community of some 3,000 people. They are the remnant of a once much larger community. Some 700,000 Jews of Moroccan descent now live in Israel. Morocco and Israel maintained liaison offices in the 1990s, before closing them during the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, that raged from 2000 to 2005. Lapid's visit to Rabat follows a June trip to the United Arab Emirates, where he inaugurated the new Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi. It comes just days before Israel is due to require all travellers returning from Morocco to quarantine following a review of the risks of Covid-19 infection.

Tehran has once again&nbsp;denied&nbsp;any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman.

On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7&nbsp;said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it.

However, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that these accusations were "baseless".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deliberate-targeted-uk-us-believe-iran-is-responsible-for-oman-oil-tanker-attack-402271">'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack</a>

Khatibzadeh went on to say that it was "noteworthy" that this incident was stage-set to take place days before the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president.

One British and one Romanian crewmember were reportedly killed in the suspected drone attack near the mouth of the Gulf, a key shipping route for oil.

Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi told state media that if Iran were to confront enemies, "we would declare it openly, so the recent storytelling by the enemies is a psychological operation."&nbsp;

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"Contrary to the strategy of the United States, Britain and the Zionist regime (Israel), which aim to create insecurity ...and Iranophobia, Iran's strategy is to strengthen security in the Persian Gulf," Shekarchi added.

US military investigators believe the drone was made in Iran.&nbsp;This is based on a report by explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, which was deployed to assist the Mercer Street.

"The Americans say they recovered parts of Iranian drones from the water....but in which laboratory was this evidence identified as belonging to Iran?,"&nbsp;Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Shekarchi.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-uk-join-israel-in-accusing-iran-of-being-behind-attack-402466/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Preparing forged evidence is not a difficult task as the Zionists excel at preparing forged documents," Shekarchi said, suggesting Israel may have been behind the attack.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
While Iran denies any involvement, nation-states like the United States, Britain, and others have condemned Tehran for the attack.&nbsp;
</div>

The United Kingdom also raised this issue, during a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The deputy UN ambassador of Iran&nbsp;while rejecting the allegations&nbsp;insisted that the nation&nbsp;will not relent in defending its interests. Waning against any retaliation, he added that&nbsp;"Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests."

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehran has once again denied any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7 said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it.

Tehran has once again denied any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7 said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it. However, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that these accusations were "baseless". Also read | 'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack Khatibzadeh went on to say that it was "noteworthy" that this incident was stage-set to take place days before the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president. One British and one Romanian crewmember were reportedly killed in the suspected drone attack near the mouth of the Gulf, a key shipping route for oil. Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi told state media that if Iran were to confront enemies, "we would declare it openly, so the recent storytelling by the enemies is a psychological operation." "Contrary to the strategy of the United States, Britain and the Zionist regime (Israel), which aim to create insecurity ...and Iranophobia, Iran's strategy is to strengthen security in the Persian Gulf," Shekarchi added. US military investigators believe the drone was made in Iran. This is based on a report by explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, which was deployed to assist the Mercer Street. "The Americans say they recovered parts of Iranian drones from the water....but in which laboratory was this evidence identified as belonging to Iran?," Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Shekarchi. "Preparing forged evidence is not a difficult task as the Zionists excel at preparing forged documents," Shekarchi said, suggesting Israel may have been behind the attack. While Iran denies any involvement, nation-states like the United States, Britain, and others have condemned Tehran for the attack. The United Kingdom also raised this issue, during a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The deputy UN ambassador of Iran while rejecting the allegations insisted that the nation will not relent in defending its interests. Waning against any retaliation, he added that "Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran FM spokesperson calls timing of Mercer Street attack 'noteworthy'

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's&nbsp;foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks.

The United States has also blamed&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;for the deadly attack, vowing an "appropriate response" was forthcoming. In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that&nbsp;"Upon review of the available information, we are confident that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;conducted this attack,".

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says that the United Kingdom believes that Iran deliberately attacked an Israeli tanker off Oman on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-israels-accusations-over-ship-attack-calls-them-baseless-402204">Iran slams Israel's accusations over ship attack, calls them 'baseless'</a>

Urging the Iranian authorities to stop such attacks, Raab said, "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran". He added that it was "highly likely" that a drone was used in the attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Previously, following&nbsp;the attack, the US military and Zodiac Maritime, which operates the vessel, had also said that the strike appeared to involve a drone.&nbsp;

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had threatened to "send a message" in retaliation, claiming that his country had&nbsp;"evidence" of Iran's involvement in the deadly tanker attack off Oman.

"The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake," the Israeli premier said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. "In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mercer-street-tanker-attack-blamed-on-iran-israel-demands-tough-response-401974">Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response'</a>

His statement came after&nbsp;Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh rebuffed what he called Israel's "baseless allegations".

Following Israel's&nbsp;push for UN action, Khatibzadeh&nbsp;also promised&nbsp;that Iran would defend its interests.

The MT Mercer Street, an oil tanker managed by prominent Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was struck Thursday off the Omani coast.&nbsp;A British security guard and a Romanian crew member were killed in the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks.

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks. The United States has also blamed Iran for the deadly attack, vowing an "appropriate response" was forthcoming. In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack,". Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says that the United Kingdom believes that Iran deliberately attacked an Israeli tanker off Oman on Thursday. Also read | Iran slams Israel's accusations over ship attack, calls them 'baseless' Urging the Iranian authorities to stop such attacks, Raab said, "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran". He added that it was "highly likely" that a drone was used in the attack. Previously, following the attack, the US military and Zodiac Maritime, which operates the vessel, had also said that the strike appeared to involve a drone. Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had threatened to "send a message" in retaliation, claiming that his country had "evidence" of Iran's involvement in the deadly tanker attack off Oman. "The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake," the Israeli premier said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. "In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way." Also read | Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response' His statement came after Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh rebuffed what he called Israel's "baseless allegations". Following Israel's push for UN action, Khatibzadeh also promised that Iran would defend its interests. The MT Mercer Street, an oil tanker managed by prominent Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was struck Thursday off the Omani coast. A British security guard and a Romanian crew member were killed in the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack

The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejects what it called "baseless accusations" after Israel blamed Iran for a deadly incident off the coast of Oman.

In an incident that Israel's foreign minister claims was the result of an attack launched by Iran, one Briton&nbsp;and a Romanian died when an Israeli-managed oil tanker came under fire off the coast of Oman on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mercer-street-tanker-attack-blamed-on-iran-israel-demands-tough-response-401974">Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response'</a>

However, in a televised press conference, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that&nbsp;"The Zionist regime ... must stop such baseless accusations — and it is not their first time to direct such accusations at Iran,".

Khatibzadeh said Israel's remarks were "condemned" and the Iranian people will not hesitate for a second to defend their national interests and security.&nbsp;

Eyal Ofer, an Israeli billionaire, managed the MT Mercer Street, which was struck off the Oman coast Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-in-attack-on-israel-linked-oil-tanker-off-oman-401846">Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman</a>

In a statement issued Friday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had directed diplomats to pressure the UN to take action against what he calls "Iranian terrorism".

US military and vessel operators both said the attack&nbsp;that killed two crew members,&nbsp;was likely a drone strike.&nbsp;

An Iranian Arabic-language television cited unnamed sources as saying that the attack on&nbsp;MT Mercer Street was in&nbsp;retaliation to an Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. This is yet to be confirmed.

At the time of the incident, the vessel was travelling from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates, with no cargo aboard, according to Zodiac Maritime.

There has been a rise in tensions in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 following former president Donald Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement,&nbsp;Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

In recent months&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;have traded accusations of&nbsp;attacking each other's vessels.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejects what it called "baseless accusations" after Israel blamed Iran for a deadly incident off the coast of Oman. In an incident that Israel's foreign minister claims was the result of an attack launched by Iran, one Briton and a Romanian died when an Israeli-managed oil tanker came under fire off the coast of Oman on Thursday.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejects what it called "baseless accusations" after Israel blamed Iran for a deadly incident off the coast of Oman. In an incident that Israel's foreign minister claims was the result of an attack launched by Iran, one Briton and a Romanian died when an Israeli-managed oil tanker came under fire off the coast of Oman on Thursday. Also read | Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response' However, in a televised press conference, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that "The Zionist regime ... must stop such baseless accusations — and it is not their first time to direct such accusations at Iran,". Khatibzadeh said Israel's remarks were "condemned" and the Iranian people will not hesitate for a second to defend their national interests and security. Eyal Ofer, an Israeli billionaire, managed the MT Mercer Street, which was struck off the Oman coast Thursday. Also read | Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman In a statement issued Friday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had directed diplomats to pressure the UN to take action against what he calls "Iranian terrorism". US military and vessel operators both said the attack that killed two crew members, was likely a drone strike. An Iranian Arabic-language television cited unnamed sources as saying that the attack on MT Mercer Street was in retaliation to an Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. This is yet to be confirmed. At the time of the incident, the vessel was travelling from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates, with no cargo aboard, according to Zodiac Maritime. There has been a rise in tensions in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 following former president Donald Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In recent months Iran and Israel have traded accusations of attacking each other's vessels.

Iran slams Israel's accusations over ship attack, calls them 'baseless'

A Briton and a Romanian were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;when an&nbsp;Israeli-managed petroleum product&nbsp;tanker&nbsp;came under&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;off&nbsp;the coast of&nbsp;Oman, the company said on Friday, in an incident that&nbsp;Israel's foreign minister blamed on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and said deserved a harsh response.

There were varying explanations for what happened to Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned ship, with&nbsp;Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime describing the incident as "suspected piracy" and a source at the&nbsp;Oman&nbsp;Maritime Security Center as an accident that occurred outside&nbsp;Omani territorial waters.

Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;have traded accusations of&nbsp;attacking each other's vessels in recent months and&nbsp;Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had told Britain's foreign secretary of the need for a tough response to the incident in which&nbsp;two&nbsp;crew members, one British and the other Romanian, were&nbsp;killed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-in-attack-on-israel-linked-oil-tanker-off-oman-401846">Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman</a>

"Iran&nbsp;is not just an&nbsp;Israeli problem, but an exporter of terrorism, destruction and instability that harms us all. The world must not be silent in the face of&nbsp;Iranian terrorism that also harms freedom of shipping," Lapid said in a statement.

US&nbsp;and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;was their leading suspect for the incident, which a US&nbsp;defence&nbsp;official said appeared to have been carried out by a drone, but stressed their governments were seeking conclusive evidence.

Al Alam TV, the&nbsp;Iranian government's Arabic-language television network, cited unnamed sources as saying the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on the ship came in response to a suspected, unspecified&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on Dabaa airport in Syria.

There was no immediate&nbsp;official reaction from&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to the accusation that it may have been responsible.

Israeli news website Ynet said the assessment in&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;was that there were&nbsp;two&nbsp;attacks on the ship, spaced several hours apart. The first caused no damage, and the second hit the bridge, causing the casualties.

It quoted an unnamed&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;official as saying: "Israel&nbsp;will find it hard to turn a blind eye" to the&nbsp;attack.

Tensions have risen in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.

The United States regards the possibility of&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;obtaining nuclear arms, an ambition Tehran denies, as a direct threat to its ally&nbsp;Israel.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides maritime security information, said the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;was not piracy. The vessel was about 152 nautical miles (280 km) northeast of the&nbsp;Omani port of Duqm when it was&nbsp;attacked, it said.

London-based Zodiac Maritime, which is controlled by&nbsp;Israeli magnate Eyal Ofer whose father Sammy was&nbsp;Israel's most famous shipowner, said the ship was sailing under the control of its crew and own power to a safe location with a US&nbsp;naval escort.

According to Refinitiv ship tracking, the medium-size&nbsp;tanker&nbsp;was headed for Fujairah, a bunkering port and oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates, from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

A Briton and a Romanian were killed when an Israeli-managed petroleum product tanker came under attack on Thursday off the coast of Oman, the company said on Friday, in an incident that Israel's foreign minister blamed on Iran and said deserved a harsh response.

A Briton and a Romanian were killed when an Israeli-managed petroleum product tanker came under attack on Thursday off the coast of Oman, the company said on Friday, in an incident that Israel's foreign minister blamed on Iran and said deserved a harsh response. There were varying explanations for what happened to Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned ship, with Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime describing the incident as "suspected piracy" and a source at the Oman Maritime Security Center as an accident that occurred outside Omani territorial waters. Iran and Israel have traded accusations of attacking each other's vessels in recent months and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had told Britain's foreign secretary of the need for a tough response to the incident in which two crew members, one British and the other Romanian, were killed. Also read | Two dead in attack on Israel-linked oil tanker off Oman "Iran is not just an Israeli problem, but an exporter of terrorism, destruction and instability that harms us all. The world must not be silent in the face of Iranian terrorism that also harms freedom of shipping," Lapid said in a statement. US and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said Iran was their leading suspect for the incident, which a US defence official said appeared to have been carried out by a drone, but stressed their governments were seeking conclusive evidence. Al Alam TV, the Iranian government's Arabic-language television network, cited unnamed sources as saying the attack on the ship came in response to a suspected, unspecified Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. There was no immediate official reaction from Iran to the accusation that it may have been responsible. Israeli news website Ynet said the assessment in Israel was that there were two attacks on the ship, spaced several hours apart. The first caused no damage, and the second hit the bridge, causing the casualties. It quoted an unnamed Israeli official as saying: "Israel will find it hard to turn a blind eye" to the attack. Tensions have risen in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers. The United States regards the possibility of Iran obtaining nuclear arms, an ambition Tehran denies, as a direct threat to its ally Israel. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides maritime security information, said the attack was not piracy. The vessel was about 152 nautical miles (280 km) northeast of the Omani port of Duqm when it was attacked, it said. London-based Zodiac Maritime, which is controlled by Israeli magnate Eyal Ofer whose father Sammy was Israel's most famous shipowner, said the ship was sailing under the control of its crew and own power to a safe location with a US naval escort. According to Refinitiv ship tracking, the medium-size tanker was headed for Fujairah, a bunkering port and oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates, from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response'

Israel's former prime minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;formally departed his&nbsp;official&nbsp;Jerusalem&nbsp;residence&nbsp;early on Sunday, nearly a&nbsp;month&nbsp;after&nbsp;he was ousted by his successor Naftali Bennett.

"A little&nbsp;after&nbsp;midnight the&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;family left the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;on Balfour [Street]," a spokesman for the family told journalists in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-netanyahu-era-ends-in-israel-what-to-expect-now-391616">Opinion: Netanyahu era ends in Israel, what to expect now?</a>

Moving trucks were spotted outside the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;and black Audi cars were filmed being towed from the property over the weekend.&nbsp;

The hawkish&nbsp;Netanyahu, who served as Israel's leader for 12 straight years following an earlier three-year term, stayed in&nbsp;office&nbsp;longer than any other prime minister in Israel's history.&nbsp;

He remained in&nbsp;office&nbsp;even as he went to trial on charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust. He denies the charges and says they are a left-wing plot against him.&nbsp;

He led Israel through four deeply divisive elections in less than two years before right-wing nationalist Bennett was sworn in on June 13 to head an ideologically disparate coalition, unseating him.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;did not vacate the prime ministerial&nbsp;residence.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-well-be-back-soon-says-netanyahu-vows-to-stay-in-politics-391256">Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics</a>

Instead, he continued to host dignitaries including Nikki Haley, who served as US ambassador to the United Nations under former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.

In late June,&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;and Bennett's offices announced a final date for the former premier to move out: Saturday, July 10.&nbsp;

Netanyahu&nbsp;left&nbsp;after&nbsp;midnight Sunday, slightly&nbsp;after&nbsp;the deadline he agreed to.&nbsp;

"Crime Minister", an organisation that has mounted weekly protests against&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;outside the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;for more than a year, mocked him on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-the-former-military-commando-who-led-israel-for-15-years-391287">Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years</a>

"The defendant and his family fled as the last of the thieves in the night," the group wrote on Facebook.&nbsp;

Bennett is to take over the prime minister's&nbsp;residence&nbsp;on Sunday.&nbsp;

Israel's former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally departed his official Jerusalem residence early on Sunday, nearly a month after he was ousted by his successor Naftali Bennett.

Israel's former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally departed his official Jerusalem residence early on Sunday, nearly a month after he was ousted by his successor Naftali Bennett. "A little after midnight the Netanyahu family left the residence on Balfour [Street]," a spokesman for the family told journalists in a statement. Also read | Opinion: Netanyahu era ends in Israel, what to expect now? Moving trucks were spotted outside the residence and black Audi cars were filmed being towed from the property over the weekend. The hawkish Netanyahu, who served as Israel's leader for 12 straight years following an earlier three-year term, stayed in office longer than any other prime minister in Israel's history. He remained in office even as he went to trial on charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust. He denies the charges and says they are a left-wing plot against him. He led Israel through four deeply divisive elections in less than two years before right-wing nationalist Bennett was sworn in on June 13 to head an ideologically disparate coalition, unseating him. However, Netanyahu did not vacate the prime ministerial residence. Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics Instead, he continued to host dignitaries including Nikki Haley, who served as US ambassador to the United Nations under former President Donald Trump. In late June, Netanyahu and Bennett's offices announced a final date for the former premier to move out: Saturday, July 10. Netanyahu left after midnight Sunday, slightly after the deadline he agreed to. "Crime Minister", an organisation that has mounted weekly protests against Netanyahu outside the residence for more than a year, mocked him on Sunday. Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years "The defendant and his family fled as the last of the thieves in the night," the group wrote on Facebook. Bennett is to take over the prime minister's residence on Sunday.

Netanyahu leaves official residence a month after losing office

Israel’s new foreign minister Yair Lapid arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday for a two-day trip. This is the first-ever official visit by an Israeli minister after both countries normalised ties in September last year.

Israeli FM Yair Lapid arrives in UAE on first state visit

Israel&nbsp;summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said.

Poland's lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a draft bill introducing a statute of limitations on claims for the restitution of property, drawing a furious response from&nbsp;Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who labelled it a "disgrace".

A statement from the&nbsp;Israeli foreign ministry said the legislation could affect up to 90 per cent&nbsp;of property restitution requests from Holocaust survivors and their descendants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-president-to-review-holocaust-bill-after-israeli-concern-31024">Poland president to review Holocaust bill after Israeli concern</a>

"This is not a historical debate about responsibility for the Holocaust but a moral debt of Poland to those who were its citizens and whose property was looted during the Holocaust and under the communist regime," the statement said.

The Polish foreign ministry has, in turn, summoned&nbsp;Israel's charge d'affaires in Warsaw for Monday, deputy foreign minister Pawel Jablonski said on Sunday.

Almost all of Poland's Jews, about three million people, were wiped out in the Nazi Holocaust. Jewish former property owners and their descendants have been campaigning for compensation from Poland since the fall of communism in 1989.

The legislation would implement a 2015 Constitutional Tribunal ruling that there should be a deadline after which faulty administrative decisions can no longer be challenged. The law sets this deadline at 30 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jews-slam-polish-pm-for-calling-wwii-restitution-a-win-for-hitler-220215">Jews slam Polish PM for calling WWII restitution a win for Hitler</a>

The legacy of World War Two, and related Polish legislation, has previously strained ties between Poland and&nbsp;Israel. Thousands of Poles risked their lives to protect Jewish neighbours during the war. But research published since 1989 showed that thousands also killed Jews or denounced those who hid them to the German occupiers.

In 2018 the government was forced to back down and remove parts of a Holocaust law that imposed jail terms on people who suggested the nation was complicit in Nazi crimes, which had angered the United States and&nbsp;Israel.

Israel summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said.

Israel summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said. Poland's lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a draft bill introducing a statute of limitations on claims for the restitution of property, drawing a furious response from Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who labelled it a "disgrace". A statement from the Israeli foreign ministry said the legislation could affect up to 90 per cent of property restitution requests from Holocaust survivors and their descendants. Also read | Poland president to review Holocaust bill after Israeli concern "This is not a historical debate about responsibility for the Holocaust but a moral debt of Poland to those who were its citizens and whose property was looted during the Holocaust and under the communist regime," the statement said. The Polish foreign ministry has, in turn, summoned Israel's charge d'affaires in Warsaw for Monday, deputy foreign minister Pawel Jablonski said on Sunday. Almost all of Poland's Jews, about three million people, were wiped out in the Nazi Holocaust. Jewish former property owners and their descendants have been campaigning for compensation from Poland since the fall of communism in 1989. The legislation would implement a 2015 Constitutional Tribunal ruling that there should be a deadline after which faulty administrative decisions can no longer be challenged. The law sets this deadline at 30 years. Also read | Jews slam Polish PM for calling WWII restitution a win for Hitler The legacy of World War Two, and related Polish legislation, has previously strained ties between Poland and Israel. Thousands of Poles risked their lives to protect Jewish neighbours during the war. But research published since 1989 showed that thousands also killed Jews or denounced those who hid them to the German occupiers. In 2018 the government was forced to back down and remove parts of a Holocaust law that imposed jail terms on people who suggested the nation was complicit in Nazi crimes, which had angered the United States and Israel.

Israel summons Polish envoy over Holocaust property bill

On Sunday, in the first face to face meeting of the United States with the new Israeli government, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet Israel's new top diplomat Yair Lapid in Rome.

Yair, a centrist is the mastermind behind the coalition that unseated veteran Benjamin Netanyahu.

Blinken is in Rome as a part of his three-nation tour of Europe, and Lapid will be flying to the Italian capital to see the US secretary of state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-hard-to-rejoin-iran-nuclear-deal-if-talks-drag-on-blinken-393936">'Very hard' to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks drag on: Blinken</a>

This meeting comes as President Joe Biden’s administration moves ahead with nuclear deal talks with Israeli arch-enemy Iran, a move strongly opposed by the country.

Bien and Blinken are also eager to preserve a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, that after weeks of the fighting took effect on May 21.

Considered to be the worst fighting since 2014, the resulting bloodshed triggered a very strong criticism in the memory of the US congress. Some members of the Democratic party were also seen accusing Netanyahu of using excessive force and of backing far-right Jewish groups looking to change the delicate status quo in the holy city of Jerusalem.

The freshly installed Israeli government seeks a combative approach with its main ally Washington. Lapid, who took office less than three weeks ago under nationalist Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, accuses Netanyahu of jeopardizing Israel's once rock-solid support in the United States by openly rallying behind former president Donald Trump's Republican Party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-benefitting-from-forced-labour-blinken-warns-countries-against-taking-advantage-of-uighurs-393444">'Stop benefitting from forced labour': Blinken warns countries against taking advantage of Uighurs</a>

Although the new government still considers Iran a major threat to Israel, it has pledged to put the alliance with Washington first and to try to keep differences private. Reportedly the new coalition government has also launched its own strikes on the Gaza Strip

Given that the tensions are still high after recent fighting, and with a new government uncertainties are still nigh, Washington has made clear that it is not rushing in to make any grand Middle East peace initiatives.

The Biden administration hopes to be less involved in Middle East hotspots and focus more on repairing rifts with its European allies, rifts that were created under Trump, all as part of its strategy to focus long-term attention on managing the rise of China.

Blinken started his tour by meeting Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. In the coming days, he’ll be meeting with the Pope, and taking part in the upcoming meetings in Italy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Sunday, in the first face to face meeting of the United States with the new Israeli government, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet Israel's new top diplomat Yair Lapid in Rome.

On Sunday, in the first face to face meeting of the United States with the new Israeli government, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet Israel's new top diplomat Yair Lapid in Rome. Yair, a centrist is the mastermind behind the coalition that unseated veteran Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken is in Rome as a part of his three-nation tour of Europe, and Lapid will be flying to the Italian capital to see the US secretary of state. Also read | 'Very hard' to rejoin Iran nuclear deal if talks drag on: Blinken This meeting comes as President Joe Biden’s administration moves ahead with nuclear deal talks with Israeli arch-enemy Iran, a move strongly opposed by the country. Bien and Blinken are also eager to preserve a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, that after weeks of the fighting took effect on May 21. Considered to be the worst fighting since 2014, the resulting bloodshed triggered a very strong criticism in the memory of the US congress. Some members of the Democratic party were also seen accusing Netanyahu of using excessive force and of backing far-right Jewish groups looking to change the delicate status quo in the holy city of Jerusalem. The freshly installed Israeli government seeks a combative approach with its main ally Washington. Lapid, who took office less than three weeks ago under nationalist Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, accuses Netanyahu of jeopardizing Israel's once rock-solid support in the United States by openly rallying behind former president Donald Trump's Republican Party. Also read | 'Stop benefitting from forced labour': Blinken warns countries against taking advantage of Uighurs Although the new government still considers Iran a major threat to Israel, it has pledged to put the alliance with Washington first and to try to keep differences private. Reportedly the new coalition government has also launched its own strikes on the Gaza Strip Given that the tensions are still high after recent fighting, and with a new government uncertainties are still nigh, Washington has made clear that it is not rushing in to make any grand Middle East peace initiatives. The Biden administration hopes to be less involved in Middle East hotspots and focus more on repairing rifts with its European allies, rifts that were created under Trump, all as part of its strategy to focus long-term attention on managing the rise of China. Blinken started his tour by meeting Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. In the coming days, he’ll be meeting with the Pope, and taking part in the upcoming meetings in Italy. (With inputs from agencies)

US Blinken to meet Israel's top diplomat Lapid amid Iran moves

Curtain is finally drawn over the political uncertainty which had engulfed Israel for past several months. Four elections in the last two years remained inconclusive. Finally, the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) &nbsp;approved on 13th June the formation of government by a coalition of eight opposition parties which managed to cobble together the required numbers i.e. 61 in the 120 Members Knesset. Naftali Bennett has been sworn in as Prime Minister. Under the coalition agreement on the principle of rotation of the post of Prime Minister, Benett will hold this position for the first two years. &nbsp;

It is noteworthy that the coalition government is a conglomeration of minuscule, small as well as big political parties with extremely diverse political ideologies ranging from ultra-right to extreme left and in between centrists.

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For the first time, even an Arab group representing a segment of the Arab minority of Israel is now a part of the government in Israel, imparting religious and cultural diversity, besides political and ideological to the coalition.&nbsp;

In short, the coalition represents almost entire political spectrum of Israel. The situation fits into the proverbial saying: politics makes strange bedfellows. It also reminds of the political scenario in India in 1977 when the entire opposition came under the banner of Janata Party and achieved its sole objective of ousting then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, but fell under its own weight within a couple of years.&nbsp;

The coalition culture in Israel is a norm rather than exception. Yet the pertinent question is, will the new government be able to survive long enough? Will it be possible for the coalition to steer clear of its political and ideological differences and adhere to a common agreed plan of action?

On the presumption the new coalition government in Israel manages to stay in power for a while, it would be interesting to watch as to what positions will it be adopting on some of the key foreign policy issues, particularly the issues which have regional dimensions.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is strongly opposed to the idea of an independent State for Palestinians. Such an approach runs counter to the broad international consensus on the Two-State formula under which Palestine and Israel will both co-exist side by side as sovereign and independent States. Bennett is also said to be a hardliner on the issue of occupied territories. No tangible progress towards the resolution of decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict should thus be expected.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-naftali-bennett-israels-new-prime-minister-391258">Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new prime minister?</a>

Naftali Bennet is also opposed to the prospects of a renewed deal between P5+ and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme. Some continuity in Israel's staunch anti-Iran policy can thus be expected. On the other hand, the probability of a hardliner being elected as Iran’s next President at the June 18 elections is high and this could further complicate the matters. We can therefore expect the stalemate in Israel-Iran relations to continue unabated; it may even worsen.&nbsp;

Check out pics&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-celebrates-naftali-bennetts-victory-beginning-of-a-new-era-391326#israel-rocks-391316">Israel celebrates Naftali Bennett's victory, beginning of a new era</a>

In recent years, at the initiative of Benjamin Netanyahu, supported by the former US President Donald Trump, there was notable progress in the normalisation of relations between Israel and Arab countries. Within a span of one year in 2020, Israel established diplomatic relations with as many as four Arab League countries namely UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. The possibility of Israel normalising its relations with Saudi Arabia was also being speculated. Will the new government in Israel continue the process to ease tension in the region is something that remains to be seen.&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu is out of power after an uninterrupted tenure of over a decade. Is this the end of his political career? Netanyahu’s Likud Party with 30 Seats is still the single largest party in Parliament but short of as many as 31 Seats to qualify to form a government on its own or in coalition with others. As a matter of fact, he was the first to be invited to form government after March 2021 elections but failed to put together enough numbers. More than the numbers, Netanyahu is undergoing a trial for charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career thus will depend much on the outcome of the judicial proceedings against him.

<img alt="Benjamin Netanyahu, Naftali Bennett" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eeaa6588-01f7-4412-b6db-1d6149c8be66" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9C342N.jpg" />

India’s relations with Israel have grown steadily, particularly in areas of defence and security, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. PM Modi’s visit to Israel in July 2017 was a landmark event in more than one sense: it was the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel since the proclamation of the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. Being a standalone visit to Israel, it also signalled India’s decision to make a departure from the hyphenation in India’s policy towards Palestine and Israel. Much of the acceleration in bilateral relations in last five years is often attributed to interpersonal equations between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu.

Personalities do matter in international relations but at the end of the day national interests prevail. And the national interests of both Israel and &nbsp;India at the moment demand a continuity in relations guided by the desire for mutual benefits.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Curtain is finally drawn over the political uncertainty which had engulfed Israel for past several months. Four elections in the last two years remained inconclusive.

Curtain is finally drawn over the political uncertainty which had engulfed Israel for past several months. Four elections in the last two years remained inconclusive. Finally, the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) approved on 13th June the formation of government by a coalition of eight opposition parties which managed to cobble together the required numbers i.e. 61 in the 120 Members Knesset. Naftali Bennett has been sworn in as Prime Minister. Under the coalition agreement on the principle of rotation of the post of Prime Minister, Benett will hold this position for the first two years. It is noteworthy that the coalition government is a conglomeration of minuscule, small as well as big political parties with extremely diverse political ideologies ranging from ultra-right to extreme left and in between centrists. × For the first time, even an Arab group representing a segment of the Arab minority of Israel is now a part of the government in Israel, imparting religious and cultural diversity, besides political and ideological to the coalition. In short, the coalition represents almost entire political spectrum of Israel. The situation fits into the proverbial saying: politics makes strange bedfellows. It also reminds of the political scenario in India in 1977 when the entire opposition came under the banner of Janata Party and achieved its sole objective of ousting then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, but fell under its own weight within a couple of years. The coalition culture in Israel is a norm rather than exception. Yet the pertinent question is, will the new government be able to survive long enough? Will it be possible for the coalition to steer clear of its political and ideological differences and adhere to a common agreed plan of action? On the presumption the new coalition government in Israel manages to stay in power for a while, it would be interesting to watch as to what positions will it be adopting on some of the key foreign policy issues, particularly the issues which have regional dimensions. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is strongly opposed to the idea of an independent State for Palestinians. Such an approach runs counter to the broad international consensus on the Two-State formula under which Palestine and Israel will both co-exist side by side as sovereign and independent States. Bennett is also said to be a hardliner on the issue of occupied territories. No tangible progress towards the resolution of decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict should thus be expected. Also Read | Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new prime minister? Naftali Bennet is also opposed to the prospects of a renewed deal between P5+ and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme. Some continuity in Israel's staunch anti-Iran policy can thus be expected. On the other hand, the probability of a hardliner being elected as Iran’s next President at the June 18 elections is high and this could further complicate the matters. We can therefore expect the stalemate in Israel-Iran relations to continue unabated; it may even worsen. Check out pics | Israel celebrates Naftali Bennett's victory, beginning of a new era In recent years, at the initiative of Benjamin Netanyahu, supported by the former US President Donald Trump, there was notable progress in the normalisation of relations between Israel and Arab countries. Within a span of one year in 2020, Israel established diplomatic relations with as many as four Arab League countries namely UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. The possibility of Israel normalising its relations with Saudi Arabia was also being speculated. Will the new government in Israel continue the process to ease tension in the region is something that remains to be seen. Benjamin Netanyahu is out of power after an uninterrupted tenure of over a decade. Is this the end of his political career? Netanyahu’s Likud Party with 30 Seats is still the single largest party in Parliament but short of as many as 31 Seats to qualify to form a government on its own or in coalition with others. As a matter of fact, he was the first to be invited to form government after March 2021 elections but failed to put together enough numbers. More than the numbers, Netanyahu is undergoing a trial for charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career thus will depend much on the outcome of the judicial proceedings against him. India’s relations with Israel have grown steadily, particularly in areas of defence and security, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. PM Modi’s visit to Israel in July 2017 was a landmark event in more than one sense: it was the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel since the proclamation of the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. Being a standalone visit to Israel, it also signalled India’s decision to make a departure from the hyphenation in India’s policy towards Palestine and Israel. Much of the acceleration in bilateral relations in last five years is often attributed to interpersonal equations between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu. Personalities do matter in international relations but at the end of the day national interests prevail. And the national interests of both Israel and India at the moment demand a continuity in relations guided by the desire for mutual benefits. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Netanyahu era ends in Israel, what to expect now?

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-naftali-bennett-israels-new-prime-minister-391258">Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister?</a>

But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu.

Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate the outcome, which came after four inconclusive elections in two years.&nbsp; 
 
Watch:

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Members of Netanyahu's government vacated their seats at the government table in the Knesset plenum immediately after the confidence vote, with Netanyahu departing the prime minister's chair.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, 71, in typically combative style, vowed shortly before his defeat that "if it's our destiny to be in the opposition, we'll do so with our heads high until we take down this bad government and return to lead the country our way".

Beloved as "King Bibi" by his right-wing supporters and condemned as the "crime minister" by his critics, Netanyahu has long been the dominant, and increasingly divisive, figure in Israeli politics.

The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians and to focus on domestic reforms.

Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister.

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister? But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate the outcome, which came after four inconclusive elections in two years. Watch: Members of Netanyahu's government vacated their seats at the government table in the Knesset plenum immediately after the confidence vote, with Netanyahu departing the prime minister's chair. Netanyahu, 71, in typically combative style, vowed shortly before his defeat that "if it's our destiny to be in the opposition, we'll do so with our heads high until we take down this bad government and return to lead the country our way". Beloved as "King Bibi" by his right-wing supporters and condemned as the "crime minister" by his critics, Netanyahu has long been the dominant, and increasingly divisive, figure in Israeli politics. The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians and to focus on domestic reforms. Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end. The Knesset voted 60-59 in favour of the new government.

Naftali Bennett has a political reputation of being an ultra-nationalist. He will now head a cabinet comprising parties from left to right of the political spectrum.

Benjamin Netanyahu was Prime Minister of Israel since 2009. He has been the longest-serving leader of Israel. Netanyahu''s position was weakened by his repeated failure to register victory in Israel polls since 2019. He is embroiled in a corruption trial as well. He denies any wrongdoing.

<img alt="Naftali Bennett Benjamin Netanyahu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aeded235-5049-456e-9eba-f5fe31e1c014" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-06-13T182003Z_1_LYNXNPEH5C0CH_RTROPTP_3_ISRAEL-POLITICS.JPG" />

The Prime Minister-designate Naftali Bennett has struck a coalition deal with centrist politician Yair Lapid (57). As per the deal, Bennett will serve as PM til 2023 and hand over the post to Lapid.

The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians, and to focus on domestic reforms.

Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end.

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end. The Knesset voted 60-59 in favour of the new government. Naftali Bennett has a political reputation of being an ultra-nationalist. He will now head a cabinet comprising parties from left to right of the political spectrum. Benjamin Netanyahu was Prime Minister of Israel since 2009. He has been the longest-serving leader of Israel. Netanyahu''s position was weakened by his repeated failure to register victory in Israel polls since 2019. He is embroiled in a corruption trial as well. He denies any wrongdoing. The Prime Minister-designate Naftali Bennett has struck a coalition deal with centrist politician Yair Lapid (57). As per the deal, Bennett will serve as PM til 2023 and hand over the post to Lapid. The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians, and to focus on domestic reforms. Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu era ends in Israel, Naftali Bennett becomes new PM

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-well-be-back-soon-says-netanyahu-vows-to-stay-in-politics-391256">Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics</a> 
 
“Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here. I don’t think Israel’s policies will change with the new government,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, a foreign ministry spokesman, was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-the-former-military-commando-who-led-israel-for-15-years-391287">Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years</a>

The statement comes a day after&nbsp;Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-naftali-bennett-israels-new-prime-minister-391258">Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister?</a>

But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. 
 
After two decades of hostility between Iran and Israel, it's difficult to see the two countries ever having amicable relations and cooperating on a variety of levels. They were once allies and friends.

Despite not sharing a border or having any territorial disputes, Israel and Iran have been at odds since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Before that for 30 years, the two countries have had cordial relations.

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night. Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics “Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here.

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night. Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics “Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here. I don’t think Israel’s policies will change with the new government,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, a foreign ministry spokesman, was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying. Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years The statement comes a day after Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister? But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. After two decades of hostility between Iran and Israel, it's difficult to see the two countries ever having amicable relations and cooperating on a variety of levels. They were once allies and friends. Despite not sharing a border or having any territorial disputes, Israel and Iran have been at odds since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Before that for 30 years, the two countries have had cordial relations.

Iran says Israel's policy won't change with Bennett's new government

Naftali Bennett, who was sworn in Sunday as Israel's new prime minister, embodies many of the contradictions that define the 73-year-old nation. He's a religious Jew who made millions in the mostly secular hi-tech sector; a champion of the settlement movement who lives in a Tel Aviv suburb; a former ally of Benjamin Netanyahu who has partnered with centrist and left-wing parties to end his 12-year rule.

His ultranationalist Yamina party won just seven seats in the 120-member Knesset in March elections, the fourth such vote in two years. But by refusing to commit to Netanyahu or his opponents, Bennett positioned himself as kingmaker. Even after one member of his religious-nationalist party abandoned him to protest the new coalition deal, he ended up with the crown.

AN ULTRANATIONALIST WITH A MODERATE COALITION

Bennett has long positioned himself to the right of Netanyahu. But he will be severely constrained by his unwieldy coalition, which has only a narrow majority in parliament and includes parties from the right, left, and centre.

He is opposed to Palestinian independence and strongly supports Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians and much of the international community see as a major obstacle to peace.

Bennett fiercely criticised Netanyahu after the prime minister agreed to slow settlement construction under pressure from President Barack Obama, who tried and failed to revive the peace process early in his first term.

He briefly served as head of the West Bank settler's council, Yesha, before entering the Knesset in 2013. Bennett later served as cabinet minister of diaspora affairs, education, and defence in various Netanyahu-led governments.

"He's a right-wing leader, a security hard-liner, but at the same time very pragmatic," said Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, who has known Bennett for decades and served with him in the military.

He expects Bennett to engage with other factions to find a common denominator as he seeks support and legitimacy as a national leader.

RIVALRY WITH NETANYAHU

The 49-year-old father of four shares Netanyahu's hawkish approach to the Middle East conflict, but the two have had tense relations over the years. Bennett served as Netanyahu's chief of staff for two years, but they parted ways after a mysterious falling-out that Israeli media linked to Netanyahu's wife, Sara, who wields great influence over her husband's inner circle.

Bennett campaigned as a right-wing stalwart ahead of the March elections and signed a pledge on national TV saying he would never allow Yair Lapid, a centrist and Netanyahu's main rival, to become prime minister. But when it became clear Netanyahu was unable to form a ruling coalition, that's exactly what Bennett did, agreeing to serve as prime minister for two years before handing power to Lapid, the architect of the new coalition.

Netanyahu's supporters have branded Bennett a traitor, saying he defrauded voters. Bennett has defended his decision as a pragmatic move aimed at unifying the country and avoiding the fifth round of elections.

A GENERATIONAL SHIFT

Bennett, a father of four and a modern Orthodox Jew, will be Israel's first prime minister who regularly wears a kippa, the skullcap worn by observant Jews. He lives in the upscale Tel Aviv suburb of Raanana, rather than the settlements he champions.

Bennett began life with his American-born parents in Haifa, then bounced with his family between North America and Israel, military service, law school, and the private sector. Throughout, he's curated a persona that's at once modern, religious, and nationalist.

After serving in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, Bennett went to law school at Hebrew University. In 1999, he co-founded Cyota, an anti-fraud software company that was sold in 2005 to US-based RSA Security for 145 million.

Bennett has said the bitter experience of Israel's 2006 war against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah drove him to politics. The month-long war ended inconclusively, and Israel's military and political leadership at the time was widely criticised as bungling the campaign.

Bennett represents the third generation of Israeli leaders, after the founders of the state and Netanyahu's generation, which came of age during the country's tense early years marked by repeated wars with Arab states.

He's Israel 3.0, Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for Israel's left-leaning Haaretz newspaper, wrote in a recent profile of Bennett.

A Jewish nationalist but not really dogmatic. A bit religious, but certainly not devout. A military man who prefers the comforts of civilian urban life and a high-tech entrepreneur who isn't looking to make any more millions. A supporter of the Greater Land of Israel but not a settler. And he may well not be a lifelong politician either.

Naftali Bennett, who was sworn in Sunday as Israel's new prime minister, embodies many of the contradictions that define the 73-year-old nation. He's a religious Jew who made millions in the mostly secular hi-tech sector; a champion of the settlement movement who lives in a Tel Aviv suburb; a former ally of Benjamin Netanyahu who has partnered with centrist and left-wing parties to end his 12-year rule.

Naftali Bennett, who was sworn in Sunday as Israel's new prime minister, embodies many of the contradictions that define the 73-year-old nation. He's a religious Jew who made millions in the mostly secular hi-tech sector; a champion of the settlement movement who lives in a Tel Aviv suburb; a former ally of Benjamin Netanyahu who has partnered with centrist and left-wing parties to end his 12-year rule. His ultranationalist Yamina party won just seven seats in the 120-member Knesset in March elections, the fourth such vote in two years. But by refusing to commit to Netanyahu or his opponents, Bennett positioned himself as kingmaker. Even after one member of his religious-nationalist party abandoned him to protest the new coalition deal, he ended up with the crown. AN ULTRANATIONALIST WITH A MODERATE COALITION Bennett has long positioned himself to the right of Netanyahu. But he will be severely constrained by his unwieldy coalition, which has only a narrow majority in parliament and includes parties from the right, left, and centre. He is opposed to Palestinian independence and strongly supports Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians and much of the international community see as a major obstacle to peace. Bennett fiercely criticised Netanyahu after the prime minister agreed to slow settlement construction under pressure from President Barack Obama, who tried and failed to revive the peace process early in his first term. He briefly served as head of the West Bank settler's council, Yesha, before entering the Knesset in 2013. Bennett later served as cabinet minister of diaspora affairs, education, and defence in various Netanyahu-led governments. "He's a right-wing leader, a security hard-liner, but at the same time very pragmatic," said Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, who has known Bennett for decades and served with him in the military. He expects Bennett to engage with other factions to find a common denominator as he seeks support and legitimacy as a national leader. RIVALRY WITH NETANYAHU The 49-year-old father of four shares Netanyahu's hawkish approach to the Middle East conflict, but the two have had tense relations over the years. Bennett served as Netanyahu's chief of staff for two years, but they parted ways after a mysterious falling-out that Israeli media linked to Netanyahu's wife, Sara, who wields great influence over her husband's inner circle. Bennett campaigned as a right-wing stalwart ahead of the March elections and signed a pledge on national TV saying he would never allow Yair Lapid, a centrist and Netanyahu's main rival, to become prime minister. But when it became clear Netanyahu was unable to form a ruling coalition, that's exactly what Bennett did, agreeing to serve as prime minister for two years before handing power to Lapid, the architect of the new coalition. Netanyahu's supporters have branded Bennett a traitor, saying he defrauded voters. Bennett has defended his decision as a pragmatic move aimed at unifying the country and avoiding the fifth round of elections. A GENERATIONAL SHIFT Bennett, a father of four and a modern Orthodox Jew, will be Israel's first prime minister who regularly wears a kippa, the skullcap worn by observant Jews. He lives in the upscale Tel Aviv suburb of Raanana, rather than the settlements he champions. Bennett began life with his American-born parents in Haifa, then bounced with his family between North America and Israel, military service, law school, and the private sector. Throughout, he's curated a persona that's at once modern, religious, and nationalist. After serving in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, Bennett went to law school at Hebrew University. In 1999, he co-founded Cyota, an anti-fraud software company that was sold in 2005 to US-based RSA Security for 145 million. Bennett has said the bitter experience of Israel's 2006 war against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah drove him to politics. The month-long war ended inconclusively, and Israel's military and political leadership at the time was widely criticised as bungling the campaign. Bennett represents the third generation of Israeli leaders, after the founders of the state and Netanyahu's generation, which came of age during the country's tense early years marked by repeated wars with Arab states. He's Israel 3.0, Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for Israel's left-leaning Haaretz newspaper, wrote in a recent profile of Bennett. A Jewish nationalist but not really dogmatic. A bit religious, but certainly not devout. A military man who prefers the comforts of civilian urban life and a high-tech entrepreneur who isn't looking to make any more millions. A supporter of the Greater Land of Israel but not a settler. And he may well not be a lifelong politician either.

Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new prime minister?

The new government in Israel which is set to end current PM Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year rule signed its final coalition agreement on Friday.

The coalition is expected to focus on economic and social issues. It is not expected to address major diplomatic issues like Israel-Palestinian conflict just yet&nbsp;

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, will be succeeded on Sunday by a coalition that includes for the first time a party from Israel's Arab minority.

Under a power-sharing agreement, Naftali Bennett, of the ultra-nationalist Yamina (Rightwards) party, will serve as prime minister for two years. He will then hand over the post to Yair Lapid of the centrist Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party.

Bennett said on Friday that the coalition "brings to an end two and a half years of political crisis". However, it is unclear how long the disparate elements of the coalition would hold together.

Among the agreements outlined by parties in what Lapid described as a "unity government" are:

<ul>
	<li>Limiting the prime minister's term of office to two terms, or eight years.</li>
	<li>An infrastructure push to include new hospitals, a new university and a new airport.</li>
	<li>Passing a two-year budget to help stabilize the country's finances - the prolonged political stalemate has left Israel still using a pro-rated version of a base 2019 budget that was ratified in mid-2018.</li>
	<li>Maintaining the "status-quo" on issues of religion and state, with Bennett's Yamina party to have a veto. Possible reforms include breaking up an ultra-Orthodox monopoly on overseeing which foods are kosher, and decentralizing authority over Jewish conversions.</li>
	<li>An "overall plan for transportation" in the Israeli- occupied West Bank.</li>
	<li>A general goal to "ensure Israel's interests" in areas of the West Bank under full Israeli control.* Allocating more than 53 billion shekels ($16 billion) to improve infrastructure and welfare in Arab towns, and curbing violent crime there.</li>
</ul>

The new government in Israel which is set to end current PM Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year rule signed its final coalition agreement on Friday. The coalition is expected to focus on economic and social issues.

The new government in Israel which is set to end current PM Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year rule signed its final coalition agreement on Friday. The coalition is expected to focus on economic and social issues. It is not expected to address major diplomatic issues like Israel-Palestinian conflict just yet Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, will be succeeded on Sunday by a coalition that includes for the first time a party from Israel's Arab minority. Under a power-sharing agreement, Naftali Bennett, of the ultra-nationalist Yamina (Rightwards) party, will serve as prime minister for two years. He will then hand over the post to Yair Lapid of the centrist Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party. Bennett said on Friday that the coalition "brings to an end two and a half years of political crisis". However, it is unclear how long the disparate elements of the coalition would hold together. Among the agreements outlined by parties in what Lapid described as a "unity government" are: Limiting the prime minister's term of office to two terms, or eight years. An infrastructure push to include new hospitals, a new university and a new airport. Passing a two-year budget to help stabilize the country's finances - the prolonged political stalemate has left Israel still using a pro-rated version of a base 2019 budget that was ratified in mid-2018. Maintaining the "status-quo" on issues of religion and state, with Bennett's Yamina party to have a veto. Possible reforms include breaking up an ultra-Orthodox monopoly on overseeing which foods are kosher, and decentralizing authority over Jewish conversions. An "overall plan for transportation" in the Israeli- occupied West Bank. A general goal to "ensure Israel's interests" in areas of the West Bank under full Israeli control.* Allocating more than 53 billion shekels ($16 billion) to improve infrastructure and welfare in Arab towns, and curbing violent crime there.

Netanyahu era approaches its end, new government seals coalition deals

The Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has held on to power for over a decade. But after almost 12 years of nearly complete hegemony over Israeli politics, the 71-year-old Netanyahu is staring at an end to his leadership.

Is Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure heading to an end?

As Israeli politicians hold last-minute negotiations aimed at unseating Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-crisis-in-israel-opposition-parties-face-midnight-deadline-to-form-government-388962">Netanyahu</a>, lawmakers&nbsp;elected Labour veteran Isaac Herzog as the country's president on Wednesday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israels-pm-to-step-down-388671/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Herzog, 60, replaced President Reuven Rivlin,&nbsp;who was elected in 2014 to the largely ceremonial post. The lawmakers voted in a secret ballot to elect Herzog.

"We need to join forces, we need to unite, we need to work together to succeed and win because it is either us or him (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) and we will prevail. We will attack and prevail," the newly elected president said.

Meanwhile, hectic negotiations are underway as politicians seek to end Netanyahu's 12-year rule with the deadline ending at midnight on Wednesday for the country's opposition to cobble together a government.

According to reports, Yair Lapid who is the frontrunner has got the support of Naftali Bennett as the opposition seeks to form a unity government.

Lapid, who is the leader of the Yesh Atid party, was given the responsibility of forming the government by former President Reuven Rivlin.

Reports said the new government might be formed on the basis of a rotating prime minister in a power-sharing agreement, with Lapid and Bennett taking turns to head the government.

Netanyahu, 71, has been in power since 2009. Last month, the Israeli forces led by defence minister Benny Gantz were involved in a clash with Hamas militants in Gaza which resulted in rocket fire from the militants and large scale air attacks by the Israeli Air Force as Netanyahu claimed Israeli forces had made big gains.

Lapid's Yesh Atid party and Israeli defence minister Gantz's centrist Blue party earlier in a statement had declared that they had agreed on the "outlines" of forming the next government with Gantz likely to keep his defence portfolio.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Israeli politicians hold last-minute negotiations aimed at unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lawmakers elected Labour veteran Isaac Herzog as the country's president on Wednesday.

As Israeli politicians hold last-minute negotiations aimed at unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lawmakers elected Labour veteran Isaac Herzog as the country's president on Wednesday. Watch: Herzog, 60, replaced President Reuven Rivlin, who was elected in 2014 to the largely ceremonial post. The lawmakers voted in a secret ballot to elect Herzog. "We need to join forces, we need to unite, we need to work together to succeed and win because it is either us or him (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) and we will prevail. We will attack and prevail," the newly elected president said. Meanwhile, hectic negotiations are underway as politicians seek to end Netanyahu's 12-year rule with the deadline ending at midnight on Wednesday for the country's opposition to cobble together a government. According to reports, Yair Lapid who is the frontrunner has got the support of Naftali Bennett as the opposition seeks to form a unity government. Lapid, who is the leader of the Yesh Atid party, was given the responsibility of forming the government by former President Reuven Rivlin. Reports said the new government might be formed on the basis of a rotating prime minister in a power-sharing agreement, with Lapid and Bennett taking turns to head the government. Netanyahu, 71, has been in power since 2009. Last month, the Israeli forces led by defence minister Benny Gantz were involved in a clash with Hamas militants in Gaza which resulted in rocket fire from the militants and large scale air attacks by the Israeli Air Force as Netanyahu claimed Israeli forces had made big gains. Lapid's Yesh Atid party and Israeli defence minister Gantz's centrist Blue party earlier in a statement had declared that they had agreed on the "outlines" of forming the next government with Gantz likely to keep his defence portfolio. (With inputs from agencies)

Isaac Herzog elected Israel president as opposition scrambles to unseat PM Netanyahu

Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid on Monday said that there were many obstacles that remained before the building of a diverse coalition to oust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Lapid is a secular centrist. He has been in talks with right-wing nationalist Naftali Bennet.

Former TV anchor Lapid's chances of success rose when tech millionaire Bennett, despite their ideological differences, said Sunday he would join a "national unity government" in which the two men would take turns to serve as premier.

Israel currently is in political turmoil with fourth inconclusive election in less than two years. The sequence of events may topple Netanyahu.

The intense political bargaining follows Israel's bloody 11-day military conflict with Islamist group Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza that ended with a May 21 ceasefire.

A viable anti-Netanyahu coalition would still need the support of other parties and lawmakers to gain a majority of 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset, Israel's legislature.

But while Lapid warned of remaining hurdles, he also sought to strike a cautiously upbeat note.&nbsp;

"We'll have to overcome them together," he told members of his Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party. "That's our first test -- to see if we can find smart compromises in the coming days to achieve the greater goal."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid on Monday said that there were many obstacles that remained before the building of a diverse coalition to oust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid on Monday said that there were many obstacles that remained before the building of a diverse coalition to oust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lapid is a secular centrist. He has been in talks with right-wing nationalist Naftali Bennet. Former TV anchor Lapid's chances of success rose when tech millionaire Bennett, despite their ideological differences, said Sunday he would join a "national unity government" in which the two men would take turns to serve as premier. Israel currently is in political turmoil with fourth inconclusive election in less than two years. The sequence of events may topple Netanyahu. The intense political bargaining follows Israel's bloody 11-day military conflict with Islamist group Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza that ended with a May 21 ceasefire. A viable anti-Netanyahu coalition would still need the support of other parties and lawmakers to gain a majority of 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset, Israel's legislature. But while Lapid warned of remaining hurdles, he also sought to strike a cautiously upbeat note. "We'll have to overcome them together," he told members of his Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party. "That's our first test -- to see if we can find smart compromises in the coming days to achieve the greater goal." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's opposition leader Lapid seeks to oust Netanyahu as 'obstacles' remain

In a nationwide address, Yamina party leader Naftali Bennett said he had decided to join forces with the country's opposition leader, Yair Lapid. The pair have until Wednesday to complete a deal in which they are expected to each serve two years as prime minister in a rotation deal.

Bennett set to form coalition with Lapid to replace Netanyahu as PM

Naftali Bennett to join forces with opposition Lapid to replace Netanyahu as PM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu manoeuvred on Sunday to dissuade opponents from forming a "government of change". With media reports saying a deal to unseat Israel's longest-serving leader could be imminent.

A mandate for opposition chief Yair Lapid to put together a coalition after four inconclusive elections in two years expires on Wednesday. Israeli media said Lapid was closing in on an alliance of right-wing, centrist and leftist parties.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-misses-deadline-to-form-govt-political-future-in-question-382841">Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu misses deadline to form govt, political future in question</a>&nbsp;

Lapid's chances of success rest largely with far-right politician Naftali Bennett, a kingmaker whose Yamina party has six key seats in parliament.

Bennett, 49, was widely expected to announce, possibly as early as Sunday, whether he would team up with Lapid, who heads the centrist Yesh Atid party. Israeli media reports largely predicted Bennett would agree to the partnership.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-president-reuven-rivlin-gives-opposition-chief-lapid-mandate-to-form-government-383057">Israel President Reuven Rivlin gives opposition chief Lapid mandate to form government</a>

But first, Bennett would have to rally his own party's legislators behind joining what right-winger Netanyahu's opponents have described as a government of "change" comprising factions from the left, centre and right.

Still, short of a parliamentary majority after a March 23 election that ended in stalemate, such a diverse grouping could be fragile and require outside backing by Arab members of parliament whose political views differ sharply from Yamina's.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-anti-israel-obsession-netanyahu-denounces-war-crime-probe-by-un-387900">'Blatant anti-Israel obsession': Netanyahu denounces war crime probe by UN</a>

Bennett has maintained public silence in recent days, but Israeli political commentators largely predicted he would opt for a partnership with Lapid. Faced with a possible deal, Netanyahu made a sudden counter-offer on Sunday that would entail a break in the prime minister's 12 consecutive years in office.

Triple Rotation

In a proposal he signed along with leaders of parties in his current coalition, Netanyahu offered to go second in a "triple rotation" of the premiership of a right-wing government.

Under the blueprint, published by a Likud spokesman, Gideon Saar, head of the rightist New Horizon party, would become prime minister for 15 months, followed by Netanyahu for two years and then Bennett for an unspecified "remainder of its term".

Saar, a former Likud cabinet minister, swiftly rejected the offer, writing on Twitter: "Our position and commitment are unchanged - to end Netanyahu's rule."

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עמדתנו ומחוייבותנו היתה ונותרה: החלפת שלטון נתניהו. בהתאם לכך נמשיך לפעול. המלצה חמה לימים הקרובים: התעלמו מספינים.
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) <a href="https://twitter.com/gidonsaar/status/1398899235387592710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There was no immediate comment from Bennett, a former defence minister, who has reversed course before over ousting Netanyahu, 71, a right-wing leader in power consecutively since 2009 and now on trial on corruption charges which he denies.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/witch-hunt-benjamin-netanyahu-denies-all-corruption-charges-in-mondays-trial-362177">Witch-hunt: Benjamin Netanyahu denies all corruption charges in Monday's trial</a>

Yamina announced late on Saturday that Bennett would meet and update its legislators on Sunday, after reports he had agreed to a rotation deal with Lapid and would serve as a prime minister first.

Netanyahu's rivals have cited his ongoing trial on corruption charges, which he denies, as the main reason why Israel needs a new leader.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-faces-court-in-corruption-trial-375515">Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces court in corruption trial</a>

Remaining in government, his critics say, could help Netanyahu in any bid to legislate immunity that could end the proceedings.

With a deal with Lapid widely reported to have been finalised just before fighting erupted on May 10 between Israel and Gaza militants, Bennett said that he was abandoning efforts to form a coalition with the centre and left during the hostilities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-conflict-ceasefire-between-israel-and-hamas-takes-effect-after-11-day-conflict-leaves-hundreds-dead-386387">Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect after 11-day conflict leaves hundreds dead</a>

But a ceasefire is holding, a recent wave of street violence in Israel between Arabs and Jews has ebbed, and a Lapid-Bennett partnership could be back on track.

If Lapid, 57, fails to announce a government by Wednesday, a fifth Israeli election since April 2019 - a prospect Bennett has said he wants to avoid - is likely.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu manoeuvred on Sunday to dissuade opponents from forming a "government of change". With media reports saying a deal to unseat Israel's longest-serving leader could be imminent.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu manoeuvred on Sunday to dissuade opponents from forming a "government of change". With media reports saying a deal to unseat Israel's longest-serving leader could be imminent. A mandate for opposition chief Yair Lapid to put together a coalition after four inconclusive elections in two years expires on Wednesday. Israeli media said Lapid was closing in on an alliance of right-wing, centrist and leftist parties. Also Read | Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu misses deadline to form govt, political future in question Lapid's chances of success rest largely with far-right politician Naftali Bennett, a kingmaker whose Yamina party has six key seats in parliament. Bennett, 49, was widely expected to announce, possibly as early as Sunday, whether he would team up with Lapid, who heads the centrist Yesh Atid party. Israeli media reports largely predicted Bennett would agree to the partnership. Also Read | Israel President Reuven Rivlin gives opposition chief Lapid mandate to form government But first, Bennett would have to rally his own party's legislators behind joining what right-winger Netanyahu's opponents have described as a government of "change" comprising factions from the left, centre and right. Still, short of a parliamentary majority after a March 23 election that ended in stalemate, such a diverse grouping could be fragile and require outside backing by Arab members of parliament whose political views differ sharply from Yamina's. Also Read | 'Blatant anti-Israel obsession': Netanyahu denounces war crime probe by UN Bennett has maintained public silence in recent days, but Israeli political commentators largely predicted he would opt for a partnership with Lapid. Faced with a possible deal, Netanyahu made a sudden counter-offer on Sunday that would entail a break in the prime minister's 12 consecutive years in office. Triple Rotation In a proposal he signed along with leaders of parties in his current coalition, Netanyahu offered to go second in a "triple rotation" of the premiership of a right-wing government. Under the blueprint, published by a Likud spokesman, Gideon Saar, head of the rightist New Horizon party, would become prime minister for 15 months, followed by Netanyahu for two years and then Bennett for an unspecified "remainder of its term". Saar, a former Likud cabinet minister, swiftly rejected the offer, writing on Twitter: "Our position and commitment are unchanged - to end Netanyahu's rule." עמדתנו ומחוייבותנו היתה ונותרה: החלפת שלטון נתניהו. בהתאם לכך נמשיך לפעול. המלצה חמה לימים הקרובים: התעלמו מספינים. — Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) May 30, 2021 × There was no immediate comment from Bennett, a former defence minister, who has reversed course before over ousting Netanyahu, 71, a right-wing leader in power consecutively since 2009 and now on trial on corruption charges which he denies. Also Read | Witch-hunt: Benjamin Netanyahu denies all corruption charges in Monday's trial Yamina announced late on Saturday that Bennett would meet and update its legislators on Sunday, after reports he had agreed to a rotation deal with Lapid and would serve as a prime minister first. Netanyahu's rivals have cited his ongoing trial on corruption charges, which he denies, as the main reason why Israel needs a new leader. Also Read | Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces court in corruption trial Remaining in government, his critics say, could help Netanyahu in any bid to legislate immunity that could end the proceedings. With a deal with Lapid widely reported to have been finalised just before fighting erupted on May 10 between Israel and Gaza militants, Bennett said that he was abandoning efforts to form a coalition with the centre and left during the hostilities. Also Read | Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect after 11-day conflict leaves hundreds dead But a ceasefire is holding, a recent wave of street violence in Israel between Arabs and Jews has ebbed, and a Lapid-Bennett partnership could be back on track. If Lapid, 57, fails to announce a government by Wednesday, a fifth Israeli election since April 2019 - a prospect Bennett has said he wants to avoid - is likely.

Netanyahu in last-minute bid to scupper possible deal to unseat him

Israel's president Wednesday gave opposition leader Yair Lapid a mandate to form a government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failed effort, following the nation's fourth inconclusive vote in less than two years.

"I have spoken to Yair Lapid and told him I am giving him the (28-day) mandate," President Reuven Rivlin said, adding that it was clear that the centrist former television anchor "has the best chance to form a government".

Lapid, 57, now has four weeks to build a coalition.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/benjamin-netanyahu-again-fails-to-form-new-israeli-government-382987/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier in the day, President Rivlin met with Yesh Atid party's chairman, Lapid, and Yamina party's chairman, Naftali Bennett at the President's Residence.

At his request, the rest of the party leaders submitted their recommendations for the second mandate. Lapid received recommendations from 56 lawmakers and Bennett from only his party's seven, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Netanyahu, 71, who is facing trial on a series of graft charges, was tasked by President Rivlin to put together a government on April 6 following inconclusive polls, the fourth in the last two years.

The mandate given by Rivlin to Netanyahu to form a government expired on Tuesday at midnight with no breakthrough in coalition talks.

His Likud party emerged as the single largest party in the 120- member Parliament but did not have the necessary 61-member support to form a government. Likud had won 30 seats in the general election in March.

While tasking Netanyahu with the responsibility of forming the government, Rivlin had said that he was doing so reluctantly and also mentioned his "moral dilemma" given the court proceedings and lack of enough support for the Likud leader.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing.

President Rivlin's spokesman in a statement said: "Shortly before midnight, Netanyahu informed the President's Residence that he was unable to form a government and so returned the mandate to the president."

Rivlin on Wednesday contacted the parties represented in the Knesset (Israel's unicameral parliament) on the continuation of the process of forming a government.

The President met with Lapid and Bennett. Both reiterated their desire to be given the mandate to form the next government, press releases from the Presidency said.

The Blue and White party, headed by Defence Minister Benny Gantz had recommended that Lapid be granted the Presidential mandate to form a government, a spokesperson for the party said.

Rivlin gave Netanyahu the first chance to form a coalition after 52 members of parliament endorsed him as Prime Minister last month, compared to 45 for Lapid and a mere seven for Bennett.

Netanyahu failed to persuade Bennett to join him in a power-sharing agreement that would have seen the pair take turns as prime minister. Bennett had dismissed the offer, saying that even with his support Netanyahu could not muster a majority.

Likud blamed Bennett for foiling Netanyahu's chances by refusing to commit to a right-wing government, which would certainly have led to the formation of a government joined by additional members of parliament.

Though the right-wing bloc in the Israeli political spectrum has repeatedly garnered the majority seats in all the four elections, a lot of determined "friends turned foes" of Netanyahu have prevented a majority for him in the 120-member house.

Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, having led five governments since 1996. The last, which saw him share power with the then-main Opposition party to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic, collapsed in December, triggering the latest elections.

Until any new government is agreed and sworn into office, Netanyahu remains Israel's Prime Minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's president Wednesday gave opposition leader Yair Lapid a mandate to form a government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failed effort, following the nation's fourth inconclusive vote in less than two years.

Israel's president Wednesday gave opposition leader Yair Lapid a mandate to form a government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failed effort, following the nation's fourth inconclusive vote in less than two years. "I have spoken to Yair Lapid and told him I am giving him the (28-day) mandate," President Reuven Rivlin said, adding that it was clear that the centrist former television anchor "has the best chance to form a government". Lapid, 57, now has four weeks to build a coalition. Earlier in the day, President Rivlin met with Yesh Atid party's chairman, Lapid, and Yamina party's chairman, Naftali Bennett at the President's Residence. At his request, the rest of the party leaders submitted their recommendations for the second mandate. Lapid received recommendations from 56 lawmakers and Bennett from only his party's seven, the Jerusalem Post reported. Netanyahu, 71, who is facing trial on a series of graft charges, was tasked by President Rivlin to put together a government on April 6 following inconclusive polls, the fourth in the last two years. The mandate given by Rivlin to Netanyahu to form a government expired on Tuesday at midnight with no breakthrough in coalition talks. His Likud party emerged as the single largest party in the 120- member Parliament but did not have the necessary 61-member support to form a government. Likud had won 30 seats in the general election in March. While tasking Netanyahu with the responsibility of forming the government, Rivlin had said that he was doing so reluctantly and also mentioned his "moral dilemma" given the court proceedings and lack of enough support for the Likud leader. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing. President Rivlin's spokesman in a statement said: "Shortly before midnight, Netanyahu informed the President's Residence that he was unable to form a government and so returned the mandate to the president." Rivlin on Wednesday contacted the parties represented in the Knesset (Israel's unicameral parliament) on the continuation of the process of forming a government. The President met with Lapid and Bennett. Both reiterated their desire to be given the mandate to form the next government, press releases from the Presidency said. The Blue and White party, headed by Defence Minister Benny Gantz had recommended that Lapid be granted the Presidential mandate to form a government, a spokesperson for the party said. Rivlin gave Netanyahu the first chance to form a coalition after 52 members of parliament endorsed him as Prime Minister last month, compared to 45 for Lapid and a mere seven for Bennett. Netanyahu failed to persuade Bennett to join him in a power-sharing agreement that would have seen the pair take turns as prime minister. Bennett had dismissed the offer, saying that even with his support Netanyahu could not muster a majority. Likud blamed Bennett for foiling Netanyahu's chances by refusing to commit to a right-wing government, which would certainly have led to the formation of a government joined by additional members of parliament. Though the right-wing bloc in the Israeli political spectrum has repeatedly garnered the majority seats in all the four elections, a lot of determined "friends turned foes" of Netanyahu have prevented a majority for him in the 120-member house. Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, having led five governments since 1996. The last, which saw him share power with the then-main Opposition party to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic, collapsed in December, triggering the latest elections. Until any new government is agreed and sworn into office, Netanyahu remains Israel's Prime Minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel President Reuven Rivlin gives opposition chief Lapid mandate to form government

Polls opened in Israel including in the occupied West Bank for the fourth time in two years as Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-at-anti-netanyahu-protest-ahead-of-election-372013">Netanyahu's</a> Likud party clashes against&nbsp;a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-left party Yesh Atid&nbsp;(There is a Future) party.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-israels-record-fourth-election-heading-towards-a-deadlock-372361/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Netanyahu, 71, who battled corruption allegations, has ruled over Israel as prime minister for an unprecedented 12 consecutive years. However, he was&nbsp;unable to unite a stable coalition.

The Israeli prime minister has been fighting the new election under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-vaccination-nation-israel-vote-for-prime-minister-netanyahu-372358">"Vaccination Nation"</a> slogan as the country has moved at breakneck speed to ensure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-bahrain-leaders-discuss-vaccine-plant-netanyahu-visit-to-gulf-state-366232">COVID-19 </a>vaccination for all its citizen.&nbsp;

The Likud party needs a 61-seat parliamentary majority in the 120-member Knesset with 6.5 million registered voters set to deliver a result.&nbsp;

Yair Lapid, 57, an ex-finance minister and TV host who leads the Yesh Atid party, is widely expected to do well against Gantz as the strongest force in the anti-Netanyahu camp. Also in the race are Naftali Bennett, 48, belonging to the Yamina party and Gideon Saar, 54, who heads&nbsp;the New Hope party.

Gantz's Blue and White party,&nbsp;which had failed to hold its coalition partnership with Netanyahu, has seen his popularity plunge as he failed to hold the government together.

The results of the crucial polls are set to trickle in overnight from Tuesday, with final results expected around Friday.&nbsp;

Polls opened in Israel including in the occupied West Bank for the fourth time in two years as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party clashes against a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-left party Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party.

Polls opened in Israel including in the occupied West Bank for the fourth time in two years as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party clashes against a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-left party Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party. Watch: Netanyahu, 71, who battled corruption allegations, has ruled over Israel as prime minister for an unprecedented 12 consecutive years. However, he was unable to unite a stable coalition. The Israeli prime minister has been fighting the new election under the "Vaccination Nation" slogan as the country has moved at breakneck speed to ensure COVID-19 vaccination for all its citizen. The Likud party needs a 61-seat parliamentary majority in the 120-member Knesset with 6.5 million registered voters set to deliver a result. Yair Lapid, 57, an ex-finance minister and TV host who leads the Yesh Atid party, is widely expected to do well against Gantz as the strongest force in the anti-Netanyahu camp. Also in the race are Naftali Bennett, 48, belonging to the Yamina party and Gideon Saar, 54, who heads the New Hope party. Gantz's Blue and White party, which had failed to hold its coalition partnership with Netanyahu, has seen his popularity plunge as he failed to hold the government together. The results of the crucial polls are set to trickle in overnight from Tuesday, with final results expected around Friday.

Polls open in Israel as contenders seek to topple PM Netanyahu

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

Coronavirus Pandemic: Thousands protest against Netanyahu in Israel

The two main challengers to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an April poll announced an electoral alliance on Thursday in a bid to defeat him.

Benny Gantz, a respected former armed forces chief of staff, and centrist politician Yair Lapid said in statements they would form a joint list for the April 9 election and rotate as prime minister if they won.

Gantz heads his recently launched centrist Israel Resilience party, while Lapid leads Yesh Atid, which currently holds 11 of the 120 seats in parliament.

Opinion polls have shown the two as the main challengers to Netanyahu, who has been expected to win despite corruption investigations into his affairs.

Gantz has been the target of repeated barbs from the prime minister for being a "weak" leftist, which he had brushed off, drawing criticism that he lacked a fighting spirit.&nbsp;

But in a campaign speech in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, he hit back at Netanyahu chiding him for his long years studying and working in the United States, and accusing him of becoming "addicted to the pleasures of power, corruption and hedonism."

Former defence minister Moshe Yaalon had previously joined Israel Resilience and another former chief of staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, will also join the new alliance, their statements said.

"Out of a sense of deep national responsibility, Benny Gantz, Yair Lapid and Moshe Yaalon decided on the creation of a unified list which will serve as Israel’s new party of government," the statement from Yesh Atid said.

"The party will put forward a new leadership team which will guarantee the security of Israel and will reunite the divided elements of Israeli society."

Netanyahu has been prime minister for around 13 years in all and currently leads what is seen as the most right-wing government in Israel's history.

His Likud party issued a grim warning following the merger.

"The choice is clear: it's either a leftwing Lapid-Gantz government with the support of the Arab parties, or a rightwing government led by Netanyahu," a statement said.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu brokered a controversial agreement that united three small ultra-right parties in a bid to boost the number of seats held by the right and far-right following the April vote.

Thursday night is the deadline for submitting party lists for the election.

The two main challengers to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an April poll announced an electoral alliance on Thursday in a bid to defeat him. Benny Gantz, a respected former armed forces chief of staff, and centrist politician Yair Lapid said in statements they would form a joint list for the April 9 election and rotate as prime minister if they won.

The two main challengers to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an April poll announced an electoral alliance on Thursday in a bid to defeat him. Benny Gantz, a respected former armed forces chief of staff, and centrist politician Yair Lapid said in statements they would form a joint list for the April 9 election and rotate as prime minister if they won. Gantz heads his recently launched centrist Israel Resilience party, while Lapid leads Yesh Atid, which currently holds 11 of the 120 seats in parliament. Opinion polls have shown the two as the main challengers to Netanyahu, who has been expected to win despite corruption investigations into his affairs. Gantz has been the target of repeated barbs from the prime minister for being a "weak" leftist, which he had brushed off, drawing criticism that he lacked a fighting spirit. But in a campaign speech in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, he hit back at Netanyahu chiding him for his long years studying and working in the United States, and accusing him of becoming "addicted to the pleasures of power, corruption and hedonism." Former defence minister Moshe Yaalon had previously joined Israel Resilience and another former chief of staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, will also join the new alliance, their statements said. "Out of a sense of deep national responsibility, Benny Gantz, Yair Lapid and Moshe Yaalon decided on the creation of a unified list which will serve as Israel’s new party of government," the statement from Yesh Atid said. "The party will put forward a new leadership team which will guarantee the security of Israel and will reunite the divided elements of Israeli society." Netanyahu has been prime minister for around 13 years in all and currently leads what is seen as the most right-wing government in Israel's history. His Likud party issued a grim warning following the merger. "The choice is clear: it's either a leftwing Lapid-Gantz government with the support of the Arab parties, or a rightwing government led by Netanyahu," a statement said. On Wednesday, Netanyahu brokered a controversial agreement that united three small ultra-right parties in a bid to boost the number of seats held by the right and far-right following the April vote. Thursday night is the deadline for submitting party lists for the election.

Israel polls: PM Netanyahu's main challengers form alliance against him

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