JERUSALEM: In a move widely seen as a step toward annexation, Israel’s parliament on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a bill applying Israeli law to the occupied West Bank, territory that Palestinians seek for their future state. The measure, which passed by 25 votes to 24 in the 120-member Knesset, marks the first of four […]
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel’s PM hints at opposition to any Turkish forces in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted on Wednesday at his opposition to any role for Turkish security forces in the Gaza Strip as part of a mission to monitor a US-backed ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Speaking in Jerusalem alongside visiting US Vice President JD Vance, Netanyahu said they had discussed the “day-after” […]
US steps up diplomacy after Israeli strikes shake Gaza truce
US envoys met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday aiming to corral Israel and Hamas to get the Gaza ceasefire plan back on track after an explosion of violence over the weekend that threatened to derail the week-old truce. Israel and Hamas have both recommitted to the ceasefire plan pushed by US President Donald […]
Trump arrives in Israel
TEL AVIV — US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel aboard Air Force One on Monday, marking the start of a high-profile Middle East peace tour just as the first Israeli hostages were freed after two years in Gaza captivity. Trump was welcomed with full honors at Ben Gurion Airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin […]
Oil Prices Drop as Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Plan Eases War Risk Premium
SINGAPORE – Oil prices fell in early Asian trade on Thursday as Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a plan to end the war in Gaza, reducing the geopolitical risk premium that had been supporting global oil markets. Brent crude futures dropped 51 cents (0.77%) to $65.74 per barrel, while U.S. West […]
Delegates walk out en masse, snub Israeli PM’s UNGA address
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the United Nations General Assembly on Friday that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza, giving a defiant speech despite growing international isolation over his refusal to end the devastating war. He spoke after dozens of delegates from multiple nations walked out of the UN hall en […]
Netanyahu reports progress in hostage talks, but cautions against high hopes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that there has been “significant progress” in negotiations to release hostages held in Gaza. However, he warned it is still “too soon” to expect a final deal. The talks, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, aim to secure a ceasefire and the release of 55 […]
Trump urges Netanyahu to approach Türkiye with “reason”
US President Donald Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a reasonable approach towards Türkiye. During a recent meeting in the Oval Office, Trump expressed confidence in resolving disputes between Israel and Turkey. He emphasized the importance of being “reasonable” for successful negotiations. Trump’s comments caught Netanyahu off-guard, as the meeting aimed […]
Netanyahu visits Hungary despite ICC arrest warrant
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Hungary for four days. This is despite an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes in Gaza. Hungary is a founding member of the ICC but Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said Hungary will ignore the warrant. Netanyahu is facing accusations of having ties […]
Netanyahu moves to dismiss Shin Bet chief amid trust issues
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to remove Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet, citing “ongoing distrust.” This decision follows Shin Bet’s criticism for failing to prevent the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu believes strong leadership is essential during this crisis. Netanyahu stated that his confidence in Bar has eroded, calling the […]