Elections soon? A bill to dissolve the Knesset to be voted on next week
The Likud intends to bring a bill to dissolve the Knesset and initiate an election next Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli tourists in Turkey taken to safety amid Iran terror threat
A group of Israeli tourists in Istanbul Turkey had to be taken to safety in a bullet-proof vehicle Monday after a tip-off that an Iranian terrorist cell was waiting to kill or kidnap them from their hotel, the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) reports. Turkish MIT intelligence agents had recently arrested a number of Iranians who they believed were planning shooting and kidnapping attacks on Israeli tourists in Turkey, JNS reports.
Poll: Netanyahu’s right wing bloc would win most seats if election was held now
A poll released by Israel’s Channel 12 News on Monday shows that if a general election were held now, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc would win 60 seats in the Knesset, just one seat short of the majority needed to form a coalition, Israel National News (INN) reports. Led by Netanyahu, the Likud party would have the most seats at 36, Monday’s poll found.
Gantz launches process to choose new IDF chief, naming three generals
Launching the process earlier than expected, Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Monday notified three senior Israeli generals that they are candidates to be the next commander of the Israel Defense Forces.
Abbas tells US he aims to “get rid of the occupation”
Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas has told the US that his goal is to “get rid of the occupation,” and that East Jerusalem is and always will be the capital of the State of Palestine, Israel Hayom reports. Abbas made his declarations Saturday while hosting a delegation of US officials led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf.
Bennett: Iran dangerously close to nukes; may get there soon if no Western pressure
As tensions between Iran and the West ramped up this week, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned in an interview published Saturday that Tehran was drawing “dangerously close” to producing nuclear weapons.
US Congress pushing for regional defense pact between Israel, Arab states
A group of bipartisan US lawmakers from both houses of Congress introduced legislation on Thursday aimed at integrating the air defense systems of Israel and neighboring Arab states.
Biden administration overrules Trump policy on Palestinians
The Biden administration announced a dramatic yet partial reversal of Donald Trump’s closure of the consulate to the Palestinians in Jerusalem by opening a “U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs” in the city.
‘We won’t let anyone feel afraid’: Over 170K march in Tel Aviv Pride Parade
Over 170,000 people took part in Tel Aviv’s Pride Parade on Friday, a city spokesperson said, as the annual event inched towards pre-pandemic numbers.
Syria halts flights at Damascus airport after runway hit in alleged Israeli strike
Syria on Friday halted flights to and from Damascus International Airport, the transport ministry said, after Israeli airstrikes damaged a runway, according to sources.
Hezbollah chief says can stop Israeli gas extraction from disputed field
The head of Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah said on Thursday that his group could stop Israel from extracting gas from a maritime field that Beirut says lies in disputed waters, adding Hezbollah is “not afraid of war.”
Israel Rejects US-Brokered Peace Talks With Palestinian Authority
Israel has rejected a proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration to hold a high-level summit with the Palestinian Authority, officials said Wednesday.
Israel makes dramatic upgrades to military plans to attack Iran
In face of Iran’s continued development of a nuclear capability, the Israeli Air Force has developed a new capability to be able to fly its F-35 stealth fighter jets from Israel to the Islamic Republic without requiring mid-air refueling.
Netanyahu in talks to court MK from PM’s party in bid to end government
Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu has been holding talks with a member of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s Yamina party to convince him to defect and bring about the collapse of the governing coalition, Ynet has learned on Wednesday.
Israel slams UNHRC: ‘Biased one-sided report tainted with hatred for Israel’
Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded to the release Tuesday of a report by the UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry against Israel over Israel’s efforts to defend itself from the thousands of rocket and mortar attacks fired by terrorist organizations during Operation Guardian of the Walls in May, 2021.
Iran threatens to ‘raze Tel Aviv and Haifa’ amid revenge attack concerns
Iran has threatened to “raze Tel Aviv and Haifa” amid concerns that it is planning attacks on Israeli nationals and targets abroad, the Iranian state news agency reported Tuesday.
Syria reports Israeli attack on Damascus
Syrian media sources reported on Monday evening that Israeli warplanes attacked several targets in the region of the Syrian capital of Damascus.
WSJ: Saudi Arabia engaging in ‘serious talks’ with Israel
Saudi Arabia is engaging in “serious talks” with Israel about establishing business ties and strengthening security coordination, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
Hezbollah ‘ready’ to act forcefully if Lebanon says Israel violating water rights
Hezbollah is ready to take action “including force” against Israeli gas operations in disputed waters once the Lebanese government adopts a clearer policy, the heavily armed movement’s deputy leader said on Monday.
Israel’s gov’t in crisis after rebel MKs sink West Bank emergency bill
In a critical blow to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s government late Monday, the coalition failed to pass a directive giving Israel legal jurisdiction over Israelis living in the West Bank that has been approved every five years since 1967.