Israeli Prime Minister

Israel: “Netanyahu resign, elections now” – Wave of anger and mass protests

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Israel: “Netanyahu resign, elections now” – Wave of anger and mass protests

Thousands of people in various Israeli cities protested for the dismissal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Participants demanded early elections and showed support for the hostages, with some carrying Israeli flags and signs calling for their safe return. Opposition leaders like Yair Lapid and Dan Halutz joined the demonstrations, criticizing Netanyahu’s government and accusing him of prioritizing his rule over the hostages’ return.

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

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Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he will oppose any sanctions imposed on Israeli military units for alleged rights violations. The United States is reportedly considering sanctions on Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which operates in the West Bank. The State Department has not confirmed these reports but has expressed concerns about human rights violations by Israeli military and police units. Netanyahu has vowed to fight against any sanctions on the IDF, while the Israeli military maintains that the battalion operates within the boundaries of international law.

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

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US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.

Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

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Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country would achieve victory after the military successfully shot down almost all of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. The attacks by Tehran, in response to an Israeli air strike in Damascus that killed officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raised the threat of a wider regional conflict. Netanyahu posted on social media that “together we shall win,” and the Israeli military reported that over 99% of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted. Israel is considering a significant response to the attack, which has escalated tensions in the region.

Vassilis Kopsachilis on philenews: Iran’s response is convenient for everyone, but the blows between the two sides will continue

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Vassilis Kopsachilis on philenews: Iran’s response is convenient for everyone, but the blows between the two sides will continue

Israel and Iran are on a collision course, with fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Tehran responded to an Israeli strike by hijacking a ship and attacking Israel with missiles and drones. The US wants to avoid escalation, but it may be challenging to restrain Israel from retaliating. The conflict between Israel and Iran is likely to continue, with potential for further violence and involvement from other countries like the US and China.

Israeli defence minister says a direct Iranian attack would require appropriate response

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Israeli defence minister says a direct Iranian attack would require appropriate response

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran. The United States has expressed its commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies. The U.S. also expects an attack by Iran against Israel, but one that would not lead to war. Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla is visiting Israel to discuss current security threats. The White House has warned Iran not to escalate further in the region following an air strike against an Iranian military commander in Damascus.

Drone footage shows a lively Gaza turned to wasteland since war began

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Drone footage shows a lively Gaza turned to wasteland since war began

Drone footage of Gaza over the six months of warfare between Israel and Hamas reveals the transformation of the once vibrant Palestinian enclave into a vast wasteland of rubble and twisted steel. Residents have been forced to seek shelter from Israeli bombardment aimed at eliminating Hamas. The conflict has resulted in the destruction of buildings, streets, and mosques, leaving Gaza in a state of devastation and despair.

Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

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Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

Nancy Pelosi and other congressional Democrats signed a letter urging President Biden to stop weapons transfers to Israel amid criticism of Israel’s military assault on Gaza, which has led to thousands of deaths and widespread hunger. Pelosi’s support highlights a growing mainstream view in the Democratic Party. The letter also called for an investigation into an Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine in Gaza.

Israel approves reopening of Erez crossing into Gaza, use of Ashdod port for aid

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Israel approves reopening of Erez crossing into Gaza, use of Ashdod port for aid

Israel approved the reopening of the Erez crossing into northern Gaza and the temporary use of Ashdod port in southern Israel following U.S. demands to increase humanitarian aid supplies into Gaza. The decision was made after U.S. President Joe Biden demanded specific steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warned of potential conditions on U.S. aid if Israel did not respond. Israel also faced pressure after the killing of seven aid workers in an Israeli strike triggered global outrage. The move was welcomed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized the need to see results on the ground in Gaza. UNRWA urged Israel to do more to prevent famine in Gaza, while a senior Hamas official expressed concerns about potential delays in the implementation of aid. Israel has faced international pressure to assist civilians in Gaza and has previously blamed distribution problems on international agencies inside Gaza.

Pope deplores deaths in Gaza and Ukraine from ‘folly of war’

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Pope deplores deaths in Gaza and Ukraine from ‘folly of war’

Pope Francis appealed for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, mourning the death of aid workers in an Israeli airstrike and honoring a Ukrainian soldier killed in the conflict. Seven World Central Kitchen volunteers were killed in Gaza, prompting the Pope to express regret and call for an immediate ceasefire. He also held a moment of silence for the Ukrainian soldier, Oleksandr, who died in the war against Russia.