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Trump And Netanyahu To Meet Again As Hopes Rise For Gaza Ceasefire Deal

July 9, 2025, 1:44 am

US President Donald Trump confirmed he would sit down again with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, with a renewed push towards getting a Gaza ceasefire agreement. This came a day after the two leaders sat down for dinner at the White House, where the Gaza conflict was the central point of discussion.

He’s coming over later. We’re going to be discussing, I would say, probably totally Gaza. We’ve got to get that worked out,” Trump said in a cabinet meeting to reporters. “It’s a tragedy, and he wants to get it worked out, and I want to get it worked out and I think the other side wants to.

Trump’s Middle East peace negotiations envoy Steve Witkoff said he was hopeful that indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which are taking place in Qatar, would soon culminate in a temporary ceasefire. “We hope within a week’s time we will have an agreement to take us into a 60-day ceasefire,” Witkoff said. He also said the agreement can include the release of ten live hostages and return of nine dead bodies.

Netanyahu is making his third official trip to Washington since Trump resumed office in January and will stay in the US capital until Thursday. Besides meeting Trump, the Israeli prime minister will meet Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and several senators in Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

The increased diplomatic movement indicates growing momentum towards a potential de-escalation of the long-running conflict, although obstacles persist as negotiators make their way through key details in Qatar.

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Iranian Cleric Issues Fatwa Against Trump and Netanyahu After Ceasefire

June 30, 2025, 9:59 am

Days after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, a senior Iranian cleric issued a fatwa—a religious order—against both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Shirazi Labels Them “Enemies of God”

Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi issued the fatwa in response to a question from a group of followers. They asked how Muslims should react to threats made by Trump and Netanyahu against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In his ruling, Shirazi declared, “Any person or regime that threatens the Leader or Marja (May God forbid) is considered an enemy of God.” In Shia Islam, “Marja” refers to top clerics who have the authority to issue religious rulings.

He warned Muslims against siding with such figures. The fatwa stated, “It is necessary for all Muslims around the world to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.” Shirazi also said it would be “haram”—religiously forbidden—to support such enemies in any way.

Fatwa Carries Religious Weight, Not Legal Force

A fatwa is a religious decree issued by an Islamic scholar. It answers questions about how to follow Islamic law. Although not legally binding, it can influence decisions in countries that apply Sharia-based legal systems.

Trump Claims He Protected Khamenei

The fatwa came shortly after Trump made controversial remarks about Khamenei. He claimed, “I saved Khamenei from an ugly and ignominious death,” and said he knew exactly where the Supreme Leader had been hiding during the conflict.

Israel Admitted It Was Targeting Iran’s Leader

During the 12-day conflict, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, beginning on June 13. These strikes killed several Iranian scientists and military commanders.

At the time, Defense Minister Israel Katz said, “I estimate that if Khamenei had been in our sights, we would have taken him out.” This statement suggested that Israel had considered assassinating the Iranian leader.

Meanwhile, Khamenei disappeared from public view, raising speculation about his safety and location.

Netanyahu Hinted at Eliminating Khamenei

Adding to the tension, Netanyahu also made a veiled threat. He said Israel was “doing what we need to do” and did not rule out targeting the Supreme Leader.

Ceasefire Brings Pause, Not Peace

The war ended when the United States brokered a ceasefire on June 24. While the fighting stopped, the fatwa from Shirazi shows that religious and political tensions are still high.

Trump Blames Netanyahu Trial For Stalling Gaza Deal, Urges Swift Ceasefire Talks

June 29, 2025, 8:37 pm

US President Donald Trump on Sunday again called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, both of them to seal a deal that would bring the 20-month conflict in Gaza to a close and release hostages. His call came as there were indications of fresh diplomatic efforts, with Israeli Cabinet Minister Ron Dermer to visit Washington for talks and a possible visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the pipeline.

“MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, showing urgency regarding the situation. He also seemed to be implying a possible breakthrough in that he mentioned that a ceasefire agreement might be achieved within a week.

Yet Trump’s words went beyond foreign policy. Trump berated Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, labeling it a “POLITICAL WITCH HUNT” that disrupts important ceasefire talks. The comments elicited divided responses in Israel, where Trump has wide popularity but his public intervention into internal legal affairs raised eyebrows.

Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled over a key issue: whether the war should end as part of the agreement. Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal and permanent ceasefire in exchange for releasing hostages. Israel, however, demands Hamas’s surrender, disarmament, and exile terms the group rejects.

At the same time, Israel’s military has issued mass evacuations from Gaza City and the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza in advance of widened operations. Rights organizations caution this is potentially a forced displacement, as thousands who returned under a previous ceasefire are once more compelled to evacuate.

The war, which erupted following Hamas’s horrific October 2023 attack, has claimed more than 56,500 lives, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports, and laid the area to waste. As talks drag on, humanitarian and political crises in the region intensify.

Netanyahu Rejects Allegations Soldiers Ordered To Shoot At Gaza Aid Seekers

June 28, 2025, 12:43 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed allegations that military commanders instructed troops to fire on Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling the claims “malicious falsehoods.”

The allegations are based on a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which quoted anonymous soldiers as saying they were ordered to shoot at crowds around areas where aid was being distributed, even in the absence of an immediate threat. The report further stated that Israel’s military legal authority, the military advocate general, had ordered an investigation of possible “war crimes” regarding such incidents.

In a statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu commented that Israel “categorically rejects the contemptible blood libels” contained in the article. The Israeli military also responded, saying it “did not order the forces to shoot specifically at civilians deliberately,” and restated that its orders “forbid deliberate attacks against civilians.”

The row comes as international concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza mounts, where over 20 months of continuous Israeli-Hamas conflict have leveled much infrastructure and left over two million residents facing famine conditions.

More than 500 individuals have been killed in the vicinity of the centers since late May, when the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation initiated the disbursement of aid, according to the Hamas-held health ministry. The foundation does not acknowledge that any deaths have taken place at their distribution points themselves.

Rights activists and witnesses have before described chaotic conditions outside aid centers, where frantic civilians would converge in crowds, increasing the possibility of stampedes or attacks.

In spite of global pressure and demands for answers, Netanyahu stressed that Israeli troops “get clear orders to keep innocents from harm and act accordingly.”

The Israeli defense forces would not comment on the charges in question when asked by AFP.

The incident stokes controversy regarding military behavior and humanitarian access in the blockaded enclave.

Why Is Netanyahu Facing Trial? Trump Defends Israel’s ‘War Time PM’

June 26, 2025, 9:34 am

US President Donald Trump has mounted a fierce defense of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling his corruption trial a politically motivated “Witch Hunt.” In a long post on his Truth Social site on Wednesday, Trump expressed disbelief that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, whom he hailed as a “Great War Time Prime Minister,” faced trial after several years of close collaboration between them on foreign affairs.

Donald Trump typed, “Bibi and I battled together against a very difficult and smart longtime Israeli adversary, Iran,” using Netanyahu’s widely popular nickname. Outraged at the accusations, he continued, “I couldn’t believe it when I heard he was heading to court. He’s a WARRIOR, like maybe no other Warrior in the History of Israel.”

The 79-year-old Republican called for Israel to revoke Netanyahu’s trial or grant a pardon, saying, “Now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu. THIS TRAVESTY OF ‘JUSTICE’ CAN NOT BE ALLOWED!”

Why Is Netanyahu on Trial?

Benjamin Netanyahu has been subject to legal scrutiny since December 2016. Israeli police investigated several allegations of corruption, including formal indictments made in November 2019. His trial opened in May 2020 at the Jerusalem District Court, and as of July 2024, prosecutors had presented 333 witnesses. Netanyahu’s defense team opened its arguments in December 2024.

Three high-profile cases—referred to as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000—are the basis of the charges.

Case 1000 accuses Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, of accepting gifts amounting to some NIS 700,000 ($200,000) worth of cigars and champagne from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, in return for political favors.
Case 2000 concerns Netanyahu seeking favorable coverage by newspaper owner Arnon Mozes in return for restraint by him against a competing outlet.
Case 4000, the most severe, involves Netanyahu allegedly promising regulatory favors to telecom magnate Shaul Elovitch in exchange for favorable news stories on the Walla website.

All charges were denied by Netanyahu, who described them as political. He says they are part of a conspiracy between the state prosecution and law enforcement aimed at ousting him from office.

Deadly Gaza Blast Kills 7 Israeli Soldiers, Deepens Pressure On Netanyahu For Ceasefire

June 25, 2025, 11:01 pm

Seven Israeli soldiers were slain in a rocket attack in Gaza’s south on Tuesday, the worst day for the military in the region since the collapse of a truce with Hamas in March. The Israel Defense Forces said on Wednesday that a lieutenant, three staff sergeants, and three sergeants of a combat engineering battalion were killed when an explosive device was detonated along their armoured vehicle, igniting a fatal fire.

Hamas’s militant branch said it carried out the attack in Khan Younis and that militants also fired an anti-tank missile at a second vehicle that tried to help.

The deaths have renewed public demands for an end to the permanent ceasefire in the almost two-year-old war. Netanyahu is once again under pressure, particularly within his own government. Ultra-Orthodox legislator Moshe Gafne questioned continuing the war, saying: “This is a very sad day… I still don’t understand why we are fighting there. To what end?”

While Netanyahu’s popularity crashed after Hamas October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, his recent move to attack Iran has for the time being given a boost to his popularity. However, with a vulnerable ceasefire presently in place between Israel and Iran, attention once again centers around the Gaza war.

The war is still diplomatically isolating Israel. In the recent 12-day standoff with Iran, more than 800 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, including a minimum of 30 individuals, including a reporter, on Wednesday alone.

The most lethal day for Israeli troops since the war started was in January 2024, when 24 soldiers were killed 20 in one explosion.

In spite of mounting local and international calls for a truce and hostage release talks, hardline ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir hold firm on continuing the battle. Hamas maintains 20 surviving hostages and the remains of 30 dead hostages.

Netanyahu Claims Israel Has ‘Ruined’ Iran’s Nuclear Programme

June 25, 2025, 2:04 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday declared that Israel’s conflict against Iran has led the nation’s nuclear program “to ruin.”

During a televised address to the country after the initiation of a ceasefire brokered by both nations, Netanyahu explained that Israel damaged nuclear sites in Natanz and Isfahan and the Arak heavy water reactor.

“For dozens of years, I promised you that Iran would not have nuclear weapons and indeed … we brought to ruin Iran’s nuclear programme,” Netanyahu said, according to the Associated Press.

Netanyahu Vows Continued Vigilance Against Iran’s Nuclear Revival

During his 10-minute address, Netanyahu asserted that Iran would never possess a nuclear weapon.

“We have thwarted Iran’s nuclear project. And if anyone in Iran tries to rebuild it, we will act with the same determination, with the same intensity, to foil any attempt,” he added.

The government of Israel declared earlier on Tuesday that it had removed the ‘dual existential threat’ of Iran’s missiles and nuclear programme through its attacks.

Armies Will Study Operation Rising Lion in Military History

Netanyahu asserted that Israel’s strike on Iran, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”, would etch itself into the history of Israel’s wars and that armies everywhere would study it in classrooms.

Iran and Israel achieved a ceasefire after they traded missiles for more than 12 days, with US President Donald Trump going to Truth Social and declaring the ceasefire on Tuesday.

Trump Reacts to Ceasefire Violation, Warns Netanyahu

The ceasefire deal hit a minor setback as Israel accused Iran of breaching it. Donald Trump later attacked both, appearing angrier about Israel, for breaching the ceasefire.

In a post on Truth Social, he warned Israel not to drop any more bombs on Iran and asked it to return its pilots home immediately. Trump also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reportedly asked him “not to attack Iran at all”.

Netanyahu: Israel Nears ‘Victory’ Over Iran’s Missiles And Secret Nuclear Sites

June 23, 2025, 3:17 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is near completing its goals in deconstructing what he called the dual threats of Iran’s ballistic missile program and nuclear program.

Addressing Israeli media, Netanyahu underscored that though Israel will not let itself be pulled into an extended war of attrition, the war against Iran would not be brought to a premature end. “We won’t overdo it, but we also won’t cut short,” he said. “Once our goals are achieved, the operation will terminate, as will the combat.

He reaffirmed his conviction that the Iranian regime is an existential threat to Israel. “This is a regime that wants to annihilate us, and that is why we decided on this operation to remove the nuclear and missile threat. We are moving step by step and are very close to achieving these objectives,” Netanyahu stated.

The Prime Minister confirmed Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear site had suffered heavy damage in recent US attacks that used bunker-buster bombs, although the full measure of the destruction is still being evaluated. Iran, in turn, has pledged to defend itself from further hostility.

When asked about the situation regarding Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile, Netanyahu refused to give details but said Israel is carefully following it. “It’s a key part of a nuclear program not the sole one, but a very important component,” he explained, adding that Israeli intelligence is monitoring it closely.

Iran had been producing 60% enriched uranium, a level just short of the 90% required for weapons, until Israel’s first attack on June 13. This is much higher than the 3.67% limit under the 2015 nuclear accord, to which Iran was adhering until the US pulled out of the accord in 2018.

There are high tensions still as the operation continues.

What Netanyahu Meant by ‘Personal Cost’—And Why Israelis Are Outraged

June 20, 2025, 5:45 pm

As Iranian missiles slammed into several Israeli cities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu found himself at the center of a different kind of storm—not for a military decision, but for a personal comment.

Speaking outside Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, damaged in the Iranian missile strikes, Netanyahu invoked the WWII Blitz to describe Israel’s current conflict.

“We are going through a Blitz,” he said, urging Israelis to remain resilient as the war drags on.

Controversial Wedding Remark Triggers Public Outcry

However, what sparked widespread backlash was Netanyahu’s follow-up comment about postponing his son Avner’s wedding for the second time.

“There are people who were killed, families who grieved loved ones, I appreciate that,” Netanyahu said. “Each of us bears a personal cost, and my family has not been exempt.”

He added that the delay deeply affected both Avner’s fiancée and his wife, Sara, calling her “a hero” for handling the disappointment.

Critics Call Comment ‘Insensitive’ Amid National Tragedy

Netanyahu’s remarks drew fierce criticism from citizens and commentators alike, with many calling it deeply inappropriate to highlight a wedding postponement while families mourn loved ones.

The Prime Minister’s comments came shortly after Soroka Medical Center sustained significant damage. Iranian missiles hit multiple hospital departments, including the ophthalmology wing, intensifying the pressure on an already overwhelmed facility.

In the aftermath of the attacks, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz directly blamed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“The Israeli military has been instructed and knows that to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist,” said Katz.

‘My Wife Is A Hero” Netanyahu Remarks & Faces Backlash Amid Escalating War

June 20, 2025, 3:15 pm

Israel and Iran are at alarmingly high levels of tension, but the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprising remark that has drawn even more attention and backlash.

When Netanyahu abruptly turned the attention to his family’s hardships while standing outside a bombed hospital, it caused resentment at a time when many Israelis are grieving the growing conflict.

Netanyahu Makes A Remark Amid Hospital Strike

The controversy erupted after Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel, with one striking Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. The strike damaged the hospital’s entrance and several departments, including the ophthalmology unit on the third floor. Netanyahu stood at the site and addressed the media, drawing a historical comparison by saying, “We are going through a Blitz,” referencing Britain’s resilience during WWII.

He then described the impact on his own family, revealing that his son Avner’s wedding faced a second delay due to the escalating conflict. He added that his wife, Sara, whom he called “a hero,” and his son’s fiancée endured great disappointment. “There are people who were killed, families who grieved loved ones, I appreciate that,” Netanyahu said.

“Each of us bears a personal cost, and my family has not been exempt.” However, many Israelis viewed his remarks as insensitive and out of touch, given the growing casualties.

💥Netanyahu’s Narcissistic Megalomania: At Soroka Hospital—devastated by an Iranian missile this morning—he pauses to lament his family’s burdens: his son’s postponed lavish wedding, his wife’s sacrificing “the best years of her life” to bring him to this moment of war with Iran. pic.twitter.com/mhJbQAT3Ki

— Yonatan Touval (@Yonatan_Touval) June 19, 2025

Israel-Iran War Escalates With Global Attention

Israel responded to the escalating tensions by attacking Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated by launching more drones and missiles. In a direct attack on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated, “The military has been instructed and knows that to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist.”

Meanwhile, global leaders continue to watch the situation closely. European officials urge Tehran to return to negotiations, while the White House announced that US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to intervene militarily in support of Israel.

Israel launched attacks last Friday, claiming that these strikes aim to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons, sparking the confrontation. However, Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes.

Netanyahu’s 1978 Interview Goes Viral Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

June 19, 2025, 4:38 pm

A three-decade-old interview of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was captured in 1978 when he was only 28, has gone viral and is trending on all social media platforms. In the clip that went viral, young Netanyahu talks about central concerns such as Israel’s desire for peace, the larger Arab-Israeli conflict, and the goals of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), positing strong and clearcut arguments that have set the tone for debate once again on Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Speaking in the interview, Netanyahu referenced a statement from the PLO published in a Dutch newspaper in May 1977, saying, “Let me quote what the PLO information office said in a Dutch paper in May 1977. The statement was very simple: ‘Our objective remains the destruction of the Zionist state of Israel.’ So let’s keep in mind that what we’re talking about here is not the attempt to build a state, but to destroy one.”

Watch:

🚨🚨🚨🚨

This video of Benjamin Netanyahu is from 1978 which is going viral. pic.twitter.com/JEdMCmB9us

— Being Political (@BeingPolitical1) June 17, 2025

Netanyahu on Statehood

When asked whether Palestinians have a right to their own state, Netanyahu replied by assenting to the existence of Palestinian Arabs but rejected the necessity of a distinct state and pointed instead to Jordan. “No one is denying that there are Palestinian Arabs, there’s a very distinguished Palestinian Arab sitting right next to me. But the Palestinians themselves, in the Palestinian National Covenant, affirm that the Palestinian people are members of the Arab nation. The Arab nation comprises 21 states, a territory approximately the size of the United States, and one-sixth of the globe’s wealth. And to that add the fact that there already is a Palestinian state, that is, Jordan, whose population is 60 percent Palestinian. Even Yasser Arafat and King Hussein, who are bitter enemies, agree that Jordan is a Palestinian state. So what we’re talking about here is a demand for a 22nd Arab state and a second Palestinian state.”

Referring to the problem of Palestinian rights in disputed territories, Netanyahu stated, “I believe the Palestinians in the West Bank will be given full human and civil rights. Rights that no Arabs anywhere else in the Middle East have today. Arabs who reside in Israel prior to 1967 are the only Arabs in the area with the full right to vote. I am fully in favor of giving the same rights to Arabs in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as part of a final peace treaty.”

Netanyahu’s Call for Peace

He also had some optimistic words on the chances for peace in the region. “Yes, I hope so very much. I’m 28 years old. I’ve fought for my country twice and in numerous battles. Nobody wants peace more than Israel. But the hindrance in the path to peace is the call for a PLO state that will only bring more war and bloodshed. Abandon that demand, and I believe we can have true and authentic peace.”

Online Praise Amid Israel-Iran Feud

The rediscovered video has set off a powerful storm of responses on the net. People were impressed by Netanyahu’s composure and eloquence at such a tender age. One user commented, “He is fire right from the beginning.” Another person said, “And how the lion roars! Very inspiring, very eloquent!” A third user added, “What clarity for his nation at age 28! Respect and likes for Netanyahu and Israel!”

This video has recirculated at a moment of increased tension within the Middle East. Israel just conducted “Operation Rising Lion,” striking Iranian nuclear targets with pinpoint precision missile attacks on military bases. Iran counterattacked, propelling the region into a more unstable and precarious standoff.

Who Could Replace Khamenei? Meet the Top 5 Contenders Amid Assassination Threats

June 18, 2025, 6:48 pm

Against a backdrop of escalating tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a direct threat against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a recent interview, Netanyahu suggested that killing Khamenei would be enough to bring an end to the decades of animosity between Israel and Iran.

Supporting the Israeli PM’s belligerent tone, Defence Minister Israel Katz warned similarly that Khamenei could meet a similar fate to that of late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Trump Adds Fire to the Threats

On top of the ominous rhetoric, US President Donald Trump—shortly after departing from the G7 Summit—also delivered a coded threat. Trump stated that the US is aware of the “exact location” of Ayatollah Khamenei and could “take him out,” but quickly followed up by saying America is opting not to, yet.

These provocative comments have revived speculation as to who might replace Iran’s aging Supreme Leader if an unexpected power shift were to materialize.

Likely Successors to Khamenei

As the uncertain future draws near, a few names have come up to replace Ayatollah Khamenei:

1. Mojtaba Khamenei

Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the Supreme Leader, is considered the most likely candidate. He was born in 1969 and enjoys a great hold on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and clerical cadres. A mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba has been heavily entrenched in Iran’s politics.

2. Alireza Arafi

Alireza Arafi is a close advisor and powerful cleric. As deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts and a Guardian Council member, Arafi is regarded as a solid institutional contender. His Friday speeches in Qom also boost his religious and political standing.

3. Ali Asghar Hejazi

Ali Asghar Hejazi oversees political security in Khamenei’s office. Known for handling intelligence operations, Hejazi plays a crucial role in shaping Iran’s strategic policies and remains a powerful figure within the regime.

4. Mohammad Golpayegani

A long-time chief of staff in the Supreme Leader’s office, Mohammad Golpayegani, is one of Khamenei’s most trusted advisors. His deep familiarity with Iran’s governance and policy machinery makes him a key contender.

5. Assembly of Experts

Iran’s constitution grants the 88-member Assembly of Experts a monopoly on naming the next Supreme Leader. The council, composed of elder clerics elected every eight years, might select a single leader or an array of leaders in closed-door deliberations.

Khamenei’s Defiant Response

In response to these threats, Ayatollah Khamenei made a fiery threat on Wednesday. “We should give a firm reply to the terrorist regime of Zionists. We will have no mercy on the Zionists,” he wrote in an X (formerly Twitter) post.

As geopolitical tensions escalate, the issue of Iran’s future leadership has become more urgent than ever.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Says Khamenei’s Elimination Still an Option: Report

June 16, 2025, 11:02 pm

With continued rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed ABC News that he is not yet discounting taking out Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Interview Reveals Previous U.S. Involvement

ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl asked Netanyahu about media reports that US President Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamanei, to which the Israeli PM responded saying, “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict.”

“The ‘forever war’ is what Iran wants, and they’re bringing us to the brink of nuclear war. In fact, what Israel is doing is preventing this, bringing an end to this aggression, and we can only do so by standing up to the forces of evil,” he told the news outlet.

Targeting Leadership: Netanyahu’s Stance

Netanyahu explained that killing Khamenei would not heighten the current struggle between Iran and Israel, but it would bring it to an end.

Responding to a question about whether Israel would target the Iranian supreme leader, Netanyahu said that his country was “doing what we need to do”. He further said, “I’m not going to get into the details, but we’ve targeted their top nuclear scientists,” adding that “it’s basically Hitler’s nuclear team”.

Two US officials had told news agency Reuters on Sunday that Trump had blocked an Israeli plan to kill Ayatollah. One of the sources had said, “Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership.”

Netanyahu Responds as Tensions Escalate Amid Iranian Missile Threat

The officials claimed that Israeli officials informed the US side of an opportunity they had to kill the Iranian supreme leader, but Trump dismissed them from the plot.

The declaration of the Israeli Prime Minister comes only hours after Iran announced that it was organizing the “largest and most intense missile attack” Israel ever witnessed.

In the midst of the ongoing war, both Iran and Israel have been consistently threatening each other with extreme repercussions.

60 Minutes, 20 Drones: How Israeli Forces Take Down Iranian UAVs in Rapid Response | Watch

June 16, 2025, 1:30 pm

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced that the Israeli Air Force and Navy intercepted more than 20 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran within a single hour on Sunday, intensifying the already volatile conflict. The IDF also released video footage on its official X account showing multiple drones being shot down.

“In the past hour alone, the Air Force intercepted approximately 20 UAVs launched toward Israeli territory,” read the IDF’s statement. The footage showed precise air defense operations as Israeli forces took down Iranian drones mid-air.

Earlier in the day, Israeli forces intercepted at least seven more drones over the Mediterranean Sea and the Negev region, according to official reports.

This escalation followed a strong warning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that Iran would pay a “very heavy price” for the deaths of Israeli civilians, including women and children.

חיל-האוויר יירט בשעה האחרונה כ-20 כלי טיס בלתי מאוישים ששוגרו לעבר שטח הארץ pic.twitter.com/3FJU8rFto2

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 15, 2025

Trade Fears Loom as Conflict Reaches Day 3

The conflict, now in its third day, is creating global concerns over potential disruptions to energy trade. Analysts warn that key maritime chokepoints like Kharg Island—Iran’s main oil export terminal—and the Strait of Hormuz are vulnerable to attacks. The Strait handles 21% of the world’s LNG and sees the daily passage of around 14 million barrels of crude oil.

The situation worsened after Israel reportedly struck Iran’s South Pars gas field—the largest in the world—reducing Iran’s daily gas output by 12 million cubic meters. The attack adds pressure on Iran, which is already grappling with one of its worst energy crises in decades.

Iran’s Energy Sector Under Threat

Iran’s economy is losing an estimated $250 million daily due to gas shortages and frequent blackouts, according to the Iran Chamber of Commerce. The government has responded with austerity measures, cutting power to homes and industrial zones.

“Attacking Iran’s energy infrastructure will be a disaster because repairing it will be costly and take time,” said Abdollah Babakhani, an Iranian energy expert based in Germany.

Who Is Avner Netanyahu? Netanyahu’s Son Postpones Wedding Amid Iran Conflict

June 16, 2025, 11:50 am

The wedding of Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Avner Netanyahu, has been delayed, according to reports, amid escalating tensions with Iran and public criticism. Avner Netanyahu was set to wed his fiancée, Amit Yardeni, on Monday in Ronit’s Farm, a high-end resort in Kibbutz Yakum north of Tel Aviv, The Times of Israel reported.

Public Criticism and War Pressure Lead to Delay

The postponement of the wedding came after criticism from anti-government demonstrators, who criticized the Netanyahu clan for going ahead with celebrations when Israeli hostages are still held captive in Gaza. There had been threats from some opposition factions to hold demonstrations close to the wedding venue in the run-up to the wedding.

Security measures had already been tightened around the venue with Israeli police putting up iron roadblocks and barbed wire fences along a 100-meter radius. The authorities also closed off airspace within a 1.5-kilometre radius to permit only police helicopters to fly within the area.

Escalation of Iran-Israel Conflict Sparks National Emergency

The delay comes as Israel and Iran have dramatically increased their hostilities. On Friday, Israel mounted a massive attack, launching a barrage of missiles at Iranian nuclear sites, missile depots, military bases, and leadership targets. Iran responded by launching a wave of ballistic missiles in retaliation, prompting countrywide emergency procedures in Israel.

Sirens for air raids rang throughout the nation, prompting citizens to seek cover. Iranian missile attacks that were reported killed at least 10 individuals and wounded approximately 180 people, Israeli police said. Seven people were left missing, said authorities, who believed them to be buried under rubble.

Due to the attack, Tehran ended nuclear negotiations, which Washington had earlier referred to as the sole option for stopping Israel’s air campaign.

Netanyahu and Trump Make Blunt Threats

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an Israeli warning to Iran of even more severe retaliation, stating recent attacks were small compared to what Iran could expect. Former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a dire warning on Truth Social:

“If we are attacked in any form or fashion by Iran, the full weight and power of the U.S. military will descend on you at a level never before experienced. But let me tell you, it’s easy for us to get a deal between Iran and Israel, and put an end to this bloody war.”

‘They Want to Kill Him’: Netanyahu Alleges Iran Plotted to Assassinate Trump | Watch

June 16, 2025, 10:18 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran’s Islamic regime of targeting US President Donald Trump for assassination, describing him as the top threat to Tehran’s nuclear agenda.

In a high-stakes interview with Fox News, Netanyahu also warned of an “imminent” nuclear and ballistic missile threat from Iran, justifying Israel’s aggressive response in a military campaign dubbed Operation Rising Lion.

“They Want to Kill Him”: Netanyahu Alleges Iranian Plot Against Trump

In a bold statement during the interview, Netanyahu claimed that Iran had identified Trump as its primary enemy due to his hardline stance against its nuclear program.

“They want to kill him. He’s enemy number one,” he said, as quoted by Fox News.

Israeli Prime Minister @netanyahu on intel of Iranian attempts to assassinate President @realDonaldTrump— “he’s enemy number one..” and on when he let President Trump know of the plans for launching the strikes #FoxNews #SpecialReport #Israel pic.twitter.com/l2xX10ZwfH

— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) June 15, 2025

Netanyahu praised Trump for dismantling what he termed a weak nuclear deal and taking strong action against Iran, including the elimination of Qasem Soleimani.

“He’s a decisive leader. He never took the path that others took to try to bargain with them weakly, giving them a pathway to enrich uranium, which means a pathway to the bomb, padding it with billions and billions of dollars,” Netanyahu said.

Fox News quoted Netanyahu as saying, “He took up this fake agreement and tore it up. He killed Qasem Soleimani. He made it very clear, including now, ‘You cannot have a nuclear weapon, which means you cannot enrich uranium.’ He’s been very forceful, so for them, he’s enemy number one.”

Netanyahu revealed that he, too, was a target of the Iranian regime, referencing a missile attack that struck the bedroom window of his residence. He referred to himself as Trump’s “junior partner” in confronting Iran’s nuclear and missile ambitions.

Israel’s Military Response: Operation Rising Lion

Calling Iran’s threats “existential,” Netanyahu said Israel had no option but to act in what he termed “the 12th hour.”

“We were facing an imminent threat, a dual existential threat,” he said.

“One, the threat of Iran rushing to weaponise their enriched uranium to make atomic bombs with a specific and declared intent to destroy us. Second, a rush to increase their ballistic missile arsenal to a capacity of 3,600 weapons a year… Within three years, 10,000 ballistic missiles, each weighing a ton, coming in at Mach 6, right into our cities, as you saw today… and then in 26 years, 20,000 [missiles]. No country can sustain that, and certainly not a country the size of Israel, so we had to act.”

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s recent strikes were not just for its protection but for global security.

Iran’s Retaliation and the Ongoing Threat

Following Israel’s offensive, Iran launched a large-scale ballistic missile attack on Israeli cities. However, many of the incoming projectiles were intercepted.

Netanyahu claimed Israel’s actions had significantly set back Iran’s nuclear program and dismissed any hope for diplomatic progress.

“Negotiations with the terrorism-sponsoring regime were going nowhere,” he said.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s resolve to eliminate the Iranian nuclear and missile threat, describing Operation Rising Lion as a major military achievement.

“One of the greatest military operations in history,” he said.

Addressing the people of Iran directly, Netanyahu added, “They had been oppressed for 50 years by the same Islamic regime that has long threatened to destroy the State of Israel,” Fox News reported.

Netanyahu Warns Iran After Tel Aviv Attack: “More Is On The Way”

June 14, 2025, 5:16 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue strikes against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, after a deadly Iranian counter-offensive hit Tel Aviv on Friday. The attack caused several injuries and left many buildings destroyed.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said,

“In the past 24 hours, we have taken out top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, the Islamic regime’s most significant enrichment facility and a large portion of its ballistic missile arsenal.”

He warned the Iranian leadership, calling it a “weak regime,” and added,

“More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.”

Call to Iranian Citizens

Netanyahu also urged Iranian citizens to rise up against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, labeling the regime as “evil and oppressive.”

“The time has come for the Iranian people to unite… by standing up for your freedom,” he said.

He further revealed that Israel is in the middle of a massive military campaign, named “Operation Rising Lion.”

Iran’s Retaliation and Regional Impact

Iran launched its counter-attack late Friday, directly hitting Tel Aviv, resulting in injuries and structural damage. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei earlier vowed to leave Israel in “ruins” in response to Israeli strikes.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack, stating:

“Iran has crossed red lines by daring to fire missiles at civilian population centres in Israel.”

He added that Israel would make Iran “pay a very heavy price.”

Tensions Involving Allies

Yemen, an Iranian ally, also launched airstrikes against Israel on the same day.
The US military reportedly helped intercept drones headed for Israel, highlighting the growing international involvement.

Netanyahu Calls Modi Amid Israeli Strikes on Iran as India Pushes for Peace

June 13, 2025, 10:12 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday communicated India’s apprehensions regarding the developments in West Asia to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and urged for the early re-establishment of peace in the region.

Modi-Netanyahu Call Highlights Regional Tensions

The external affairs ministry had previously reacted with deep concern as Israel had waged successive waves of air strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, and called on both nations to shun escalatory measures. The Indian side referred to its “close and friendly relations with both countries” and asserted that it was “prepared to provide all possible assistance” to Israel and Iran.

The evolving situation figured in a phone conversation between Modi and Netanyahu. “Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation,” PM Modi said in a social media post.

“I shared India’s concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” he said.

Netanyahu Contacts Global Leaders Amid Crisis

The developing situation played a role in a telephone call between Modi and Netanyahu. “Received a telephonic call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He updated me on the developing situation,” PM Modi tweeted.

Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India’s concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025

Netanyahu also called US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to update them on the situation.

Indian Missions Advise Citizens to Stay Cautious

Indian missions in Tel Aviv and Tehran have instructed thousands of Indian nationals in both nations to be cautious and take safety precautions after the Israeli air raids.

The Israeli military launched at least two waves of airstrikes that hit targets in the cities of Tehran, Natanz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Arak and Kermanshah. Iran’s state media stated that some nuclear scientists and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander-in-chief Hossein Salami were among those killed in the Israeli airstrikes.

Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened that Israel “should await severe punishment” for committing the “crime” of bombing the nation and slaying a number of commanders and scientists.

India Appeals for Dialogue and De-escalation

“We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

“India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues,” the statement said.

New Delhi is closely monitoring the evolving situation, including “reports related to attacks on nuclear sites”. Indian embassies in both countries are in contact with the Indian community, and all Indian nationals in the region were advised to “exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories”.

Embassy Alerts Issued in Tehran and Tel Aviv

A social media post by the Indian embassy in Tehran said: “In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.”

Another tweet by the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv mentioned that “all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain alert and follow the safety guidelines as directed by the Israeli authorities and home front command (oref.org.il/eng)” due to the current situation in the area.

“Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within [Israel] and stay close to safety shelters,” the advisory said.

Indian Diaspora Presence in Iran and Israel lead by Netanyahu

There are over 4,000 Indians, who are primarily students, teachers and small traders, residing in Iran at present. They are primarily based in Tehran and some other cities.

The Indian population in Israel has increased to over 32,000 in recent months following Israeli authorities’ decision to hire more Indian blue-collar laborers to substitute Palestinians in services like nursing and construction. Indians residing in Israel are dispersed in all parts of the nation.

No Immediate Plans for Indian Evacuation

Individuals close to the issue said there were no prompt intentions to repatriate Indian citizens from both nations. The case is followed very closely and everything is being done to ascertain the safety of Indian citizens, they added.

The size and extent of Friday’s Israeli airstrikes was far larger than retaliatory attacks conducted in 2024. In April 2024, Iran struck Israel with missiles and drones following the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus. This was followed by a second round of attacks last October, following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel. Israel struck back both times by hitting Iranian infrastructure and military bases.

Trump Pressures Netanyahu To End Gaza War, Warns Against Iran Strike Amid US-Iran Talks

June 11, 2025, 9:30 pm

US President Donald Trump has asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring an end to the Gaza war and avoid provoking Iran, a person familiar with their last phone call has disclosed.

The two leaders had talks on Monday, and Trump went on to call the conversation “very well, very smooth.” His overtures are being made as Washington aims to seal a nuclear deal with Iran and remains engaged in indirect talks with Hamas for a Gaza ceasefire.

In Netanyahu’s office, Israeli officials convened on Tuesday night to review “some progress” in the ceasefire talks. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed progress in obtaining a hostage agreement, but he cooled expectations.

Meanwhile, Hamas reiterated its openness to a ceasefire based on a proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, but insisted on stronger guarantees to prevent future Israeli attacks. Hamas demands include a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The call between Netanyahu and Trump also referred to recent Israeli comments regarding the threat of a military attack on Iran’s nuclear sites. Trump supposedly asked Netanyahu to refrain from making public statements regarding such plans, as they will deter sensitive diplomatic negotiations with Tehran. Netanyahu was still skeptical regarding Iran’s motives, accusing it of procrastination in order not to engage in substantive negotiation.

As fighting in Gaza exceeds 20 months, tensions between Tel Aviv and Washington increase. The Trump administration’s actions such as skirting Israel on Middle Eastern tours, relaxing sanctions on Syria, and slapping a failed ceasefire on Yemen’s Houthi rebels have further fueled tensions.

Trump is also working to resuscitate and enlarge the Abraham Accords, but Saudi Arabia is resolute on demanding tangible measures toward Palestinian statehood before normalizing ties with Israel a position contrary to present US policy under Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who said the two-state solution was dead.

Hamas Gaza Chief Mohammed Sinwar Killed in Israeli Strike: Netanyahu Confirms

May 28, 2025, 8:17 pm

Hamas Gaza leader Mohammad Sinwar has been killed by Israeli troops, the nation’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

Sinwar Rose After Brother Yahya Sinwar’s Death

Mohammad Sinwar was promoted to the upper echelons of the Palestinian militant group last year when Israel murdered his brother Yahya Sinwar in battle.

“We eliminated Mohammed Sinwar,” Netanyahu told a parliament plenary session on Wednesday, according to AFP.

Previously, Israeli news media had reported that Sinwar was hit in Israeli air raids in southern Gaza last week. It was not confirmed at the time, however, by the Israeli defence forces.

Hamas Leadership Role After Yahya Sinwar’s Death

Following his brother’s death and that of Hamas’s former leader, Yahya Sinwar, Muhammad became the head of the military wing as well as the political leadership in Gaza.

Born Mohammad Ibrahim Hassan Sinwar in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, he climbed the ranks of Hamas over the course of multiple decades.

Known as “the shadow” by Israeli leaders for his clandestine operations, Sinwar was an integral member of the group. He was implicated in the 2006 kidnapping of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, an operation that would ultimately yield a prisoner exchange agreement in 2011.

Time in Prison and Role in Hamas Military Wing

During his years spent in Palestinian and Israeli prisons, he became close with other Hamas leadership and was part of the military wing of Hamas since 1991.

Mohammad Sinwar was considered the Hamas mastermind who orchestrated the fatal Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.

There have been previous attempts by Israel to kill Sinwar. In 2014, Hamas reported that Sinwar had perished during the war between Israel and Gaza but later discovered that the report was erroneous.

Ongoing Conflict and Human Toll of the War

Israel has committed to taking over Gaza and battling until Hamas is annihilated or disarmed and forced into exile, and until the militant organization releases the last 58 hostages captured during the Oct. 7, 2023, assault that led to the war.

Hamas-led fighters killed an estimated 1,200 civilians and took hostage 251 individuals in the 2023 attack. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed approximately 54,000 Palestinians, the Gaza Health Ministry says, but the ministry does not make a distinction between civilians and fighters in its death toll, the Associated Press adds.

Jerusalem Day Turns Toxic: ‘Death To Arabs’ Chants Ignite Tensions, Target Palestinians

May 27, 2025, 2:41 am

Tensions erupted in Jerusalem on Monday when thousands of Israeli ultranationalists paraded through the Muslim quarters of Jerusalem’s Old City, singing inflammatory chants like “Death to Arabs” and “May your village burn” during the annual Jerusalem Day parade. The parade marks Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war a victory that is commemorated by many Israelis but regarded as occupation by Palestinians.

Palestinian stores closed early in preparation for clashes, and heavy police infilled the narrow alleys. Tour buses transported ultranationalist Jews from all over the country, including settlements in the occupied West Bank. As Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to keep a “united Jerusalem,” his right-wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound, fueling tensions by claiming Jews’ right to pray at the compound, negating long-standing religious understandings.

The demonstrations spilled over into other sectors, as well. A delegation led by Israeli legislator Yulia Malinovsky forcibly entered a UNRWA compound in east Jerusalem, demanding it be converted to a Jewish settlement. UN officials decried the action, pointing out that the compound has been largely vacant since January because of staff safety issues.

Following attempts at mediation by peace groups, various cases of harassment were reported, such as verbal abuse at Palestinian women and destruction of neighborhood shops. Police reported detaining numerous people in what they described as the “Dance of Flags,” reporting that they moved quickly to avert more violence.

While most Israelis view Jerusalem Day as a national holiday, critics say the march only grows more emblematic of surging extremism. Previous editions of the event have been the source of widespread unrest, such as an 11-day war in Gaza in 2021. With cries of hatred ringing through ancient streets once more, the march highlighted the city’s lasting status as a hotbed of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Netanyahu Dismisses Rift Rumors After Trump’s Gulf Visit Excludes Israel

May 22, 2025, 3:00 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed reports of a diplomatic split with the United States after President Donald Trump made a recent visit to major Gulf nations that excluded Israel prominently.

Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates was aimed at obtaining large business agreements, but by avoiding Israel America’s long-time most trusted ally in the region Trump set off massive speculations among the media for a possible US-Israel strain.

Speculation grew amid increasing worldwide condemnation of Israel’s Gaza war and Trump’s move to suspend US airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis have continued to fire missiles into Israel, even as Washington is hard-pressing Tehran to resume nuclear talks.

Ending weeks of silence on the matter, Netanyahu informed journalists at a press briefing that President Trump had assured him of ongoing American support. “Bibi, I want you to know, I have a complete commitment to you and to the state of Israel,” Netanyahu reported Trump as having said in a call about ten days ago.

He also reported a side conversation with US Vice President JD Vance, who scoffed at reports in the media, telling Netanyahu, “Don’t worry about all these fake news stories about this break between us.”

The assurances are made after the Biden administration puts pressure on Israel to put an end to the war in Gaza. The enclave has been under an 11-week Israeli siege, leading to a catastrophic humanitarian emergency and aggravating civilian suffering.

Despite mounting international concern, Netanyahu’s remarks signal that the Israeli leadership still views its relationship with Washington as strong and intact, even as tensions over regional policy and humanitarian issues remain unresolved.

Netanyahu Vows Gaza Offensive “With Full Force” To “Crush Hamas Completely”

May 13, 2025, 8:58 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israel’s military will increase its Gaza offensive in the near future, stressing a commitment to dismantling Hamas entirely. “In the very coming days, we are going in with full force to complete the operation. Completing the operation means defeating Hamas. It means destroying Hamas,” Netanyahu said Monday during a visit to injured reserve soldiers, according to a statement from his office.

Netanyahu explained that Israel will not cease the war. “A temporary ceasefire may occur, but we are going all the way,” he stated.

Israel resumed large-scale military action in Gaza on March 18 after negotiations over extending a January 19 truce with Hamas collapsed. The Israeli government had approved an expanded offensive plan earlier this month, which includes a long-term presence in some areas of Gaza. Military officials said the next stage would involve the displacement of a large number of the population.

The conflict has already forced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million inhabitants at least one time. Netanyahu affirmed the Israeli government is trying to identify other nations who would accept Palestinian civilians. “We’ve established an administration that will enable them to go out, but we have countries that will be willing to take them in. That’s what we’re attempting to do presently,” he said, finding that “more than 50 per cent will depart” if it isn’t possible.

The war started after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,218 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. By the United Nations’ account, some almost 53,000 civilians nearly all of them civilians have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its retaliatory offensive, numbers that the United Nations finds credible.

Israel maintains its campaign will not stop until Hamas is completely destroyed despite global condemnation.

Netanyahu Vows Retaliation After Houthi Missile Hits Near Israel’s Main Airport

May 4, 2025, 8:51 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to strike back against the Houthis following a missile attack by the group on the grounds of Israel’s primary airport.

Benjamin Netanyahu Reacts

In a social media posted video, Netanyahu threatened to hit the group, declaring: “We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future”.

The missile, launched from Yemen by the Iran-backed faction, struck close to the main terminal of Ben Gurion airport on Sunday morning, according to Israeli authorities.

Four individuals were hurt by the explosion, and two others were hurt while heading to a shelter, Israeli media quoted emergency services as saying.

Reactions from Israel and Houthis

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated in a TV address that the Israeli airport was “no longer safe for air travel”.

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz stated: “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger”.

Unverified video shared online seemed to capture motorists on a nearby road stopped to take shelter as a projectile crashes down, sending up a cloud of black smoke near the airport, which is in the suburbs of Tel Aviv.

Airport Operations Disrupted

The airport has now reopened to flights, after suspending them temporarily although a number of major airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France and Delta, cancelled Sunday’s flights to and from the airport.

Sirens were sounded in a number of areas of the country as the missile was on its way – and the Israeli Air Force reported that it was investigating the malfunctioning of its ability to intercept it.

Israeli police senior commander Yair Hetzroni took journalists to the site and pointed out a crater resulting from the missile’s impact, which airport officials claimed had fallen next to a road near the parking lot of Terminal three.

“You can see the picture behind us here, a hole that was created with a diameter of tens of metres and also tens of metres deep,” Hetzroni stated, informing that there was no major damage.

Broader Conflict and International Involvement

Netanyahu will receive ministers and defence officials on Sunday to hear a response, domestic media reported.

The Houthis, a Yemen-based Iranian-backed rebel faction, have long conducted missile attacks on Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza, but it does not often reach Israel’s advanced air defenses.

The organization have also been conducting attacks against vessels in the Red Sea, which the US has reacted to by leading an air campaign against it to which the UK has contributed.

Netanyahu’s Convoy Involved in Car Accident Near Jerusalem Office

April 29, 2025, 10:22 pm

One of the cars from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s motorcade was involved in a traffic collision in Jerusalem on Tuesday night, leaving a 17-year-old motorcycle rider injured. The accident took place while the motorcade was leaving a Remembrance Day ceremony.

Initial Speculations

Though there was initial speculation as to whether Netanyahu was aboard the vehicle in question, it was subsequently reported that the Prime Minister was not on board when the accident occurred. The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital and is said to be in moderate condition. Officials have not released further information on the circumstances surrounding the collision, and an investigation is being conducted.

More Security Measures in Netanyahu’s Convoy

There have been recent reports of the presence of an unmarked emergency medical vehicle that is often seen accompanying the Prime Minister’s convoy. This was implemented following a health-related incident Netanyahu had last summer.

The undercover ambulance is meant to offer emergency care immediately in case of need. Although such vehicles are typical for state leaders’ long-distance travel, its deployment during normal movements within cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv has attracted public attention.

Public Attention on VIP Convoy Safety

The crash has also sparked renewed debates over the use and safety of high-profile convoys in city centers. Given that convoys tend to move at high speed and need proper passages, convoys can threaten other traffic moving around them unless properly coordinated.

This recent incident emphasizes the necessity of regular reviews of convoy procedures and possible improvements to minimize the occurrence of such incidents in the future. There has been no word yet from officials on whether existing security protocols or movement operational procedures for convoys will be amended in the wake of the accident.

Later developments are anticipated once the investigation is complete and further information on the events leading up to the accident is released.

Palestinian Journalist Burnt Alive in Israeli Airstrike on Gaza | Watch

April 10, 2025, 9:53 am

A Palestinian journalist died Tuesday from critical burns he received in an Israeli attack on a journalists’ tent in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Monday, local media reported.

Footage shows Palestinian Journalist Being Burnt Alive

Video footage indicated that Ahmed Mansour, a reporter with Palestine Today news agency, was burning alive following the attack on the journalists’ tent adjacent to Nasser Hospital in the city on Monday.

He has a name: Ahmed Mansour

He has a profession: journalism

He’s a father

He supports his family

Doctors are trying to save him.

Israel doesn’t care about life. Only its reputation, its ‘brand’ which it tries to maintain through LIES that our media & political class promote https://t.co/DLqMPWuGmt

— Just Jews (@JustJewsUK) April 7, 2025

Mansour passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, according to Wafa, the government’s official news agency.

His death increased the number of journalists killed in the attack to two, while eight other journalists were injured.

Israel acknowledges attack, alleges Hamas links

The Israeli military acknowledged on Monday that an attack took place, saying that the attack was on journalist Hassan Elslayeh, who Tel Aviv alleges is a member of Hamas. The military stated that Elslayeh was wounded in the attack.

Over 200 journalists killed since October 2023

At least 211 Palestinian reporters have been slain in Israeli assaults in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, local authorities say.

The Israeli military renewed a fatal attack on Gaza on March 18 and has killed close to 1,400 individuals, wounded more than 3,400 others, and destroyed a January ceasefire and prisoner swap deal in the enclave.

Benjamin Netanyahu vows to intensify operations

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week promised to raise the level of attacks on Gaza as plans are in place to carry out US President Donald Trump’s plan of displacing Palestinians from the enclave.

More than 50,700 Palestinians were killed in Gaza in a fierce Israeli attack since October 2023, where the majority were women and children.

The International Criminal Court issued warrants for Netanyahu and his then Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last November for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also has a case of genocide at the International Court of Justice for waging war against the enclave.

Tariffs, Tensions, And Ties: Netanyahu Seeks Trump’s Help To Shield Israeli Trade

April 6, 2025, 8:13 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will head to Washington on Sunday for an urgent meeting with US President Donald Trump to address a slew of key issues from tariffs and regional security to diplomatic and legal issues. Based on a statement released from Netanyahu’s office, the topics of discussion would include new American tariffs imposed on Israeli exports, the Israeli hostage situation of individuals being held captive in Gaza, Israeli-Turkish relations, the Iranian menace, and heightened tensions with the International Criminal Court (ICC) that accused Netanyahu of war crimes.

The short-notice summit is set to happen on Monday. In advance of the visit, Netanyahu voiced hopes that Trump would reverse recent tariff increases that slap a 17% tariff on Israeli products, specifically machinery and medical exports. “I hope I will be able to assist on this matter. That is the plan,” Netanyahu said. “It expresses the special personal connection and the crucial strategic relationship between the US and Israel.”

The United States remains Israel’s largest trading partner, and the countries have enjoyed a free trade agreement since 1985. Nearly 98% of US imports into Israel are currently duty-free. Last week, Israel took steps to eliminate remaining tariffs on American goods, signaling goodwill amid rising trade concerns.

Trump extended the invitation to Netanyahu in a phone call on Thursday, during which the Israeli prime minister expressed concerns about the economic effects of the tariffs, officials said.

Besides trade, Netanyahu seeks more solid US backing on Iran and action towards the release of Israeli hostages taken in Gaza for more than 18 months. The trip coincides with rising regional tensions as Israel keeps conducting its campaign against Gaza. The two leaders will likely reconfirm bilateral relations as international pressure increases.

Netanyahu In Damage Control: Urgent White House Trip To Confront Trump’s Tariff Shock

April 5, 2025, 8:03 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will head to the White House on Monday to sit down with U.S. President Donald Trump, three Israeli officials and one White House official say. The sit-down will cover Trump’s newly proposed tariff actions, as well as Iran and the current hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the officials say.

If confirmed, this would be the first foreign leader visit to Washington since Trump started his second term in January. The visit, which was termed as spontaneous, follows a Thursday phone call during which Trump invited him. Netanyahu, who is on a visit to Hungary, expressed concern over the tariffs during the call.

Trump’s most recent trade measure consists of a 17% tax on unspecified some Israeli imports to the U.S.—an action that triggered a warning signal in Israel. America is Israel’s biggest trade partner, and both nations have a close trade relation that has been bolstered by a four-decade-old free trade accord.

A Finance Ministry official said the tariffs would impact top Israeli exports, such as machinery and medical equipment. The move has raised fears of economic reprisals, especially since Israel had already eliminated its last remaining tariffs on American imports just a few days ago. To date, around 98% of American goods are imported duty-free into Israel.

Although Netanyahu’s office has not officially confirmed the visit, the plan reported is believed to indicate increasing urgency within the Israeli government to resolve the tariff issue soon. The visit might be accompanied by strategic talks on Iran’s regional efforts and the ongoing military campaign in Gaza against the Palestinian Hamas group.

The White House has not made an official statement yet confirming the meeting.

Israel Airstrike on Gaza Shelter Kills 27, Say Rescuers

April 4, 2025, 1:32 pm

An Israeli strike on a school converted into a shelter in Gaza City has killed at least 27, rescuers reported, and hundreds of thousands along the Rafah region are on the move in one of the war’s largest mass displacement movements as Israel launched its new campaign to “divide up” the Gaza Strip.

Missiles Send by Israel Hit Dar al-Arqam School

Three missiles struck Dar al-Arqam school in the al-Tuffah district on Thursday afternoon, civil defence agency spokesman Mahmoud Bassal said, killing several children and injuring 100 people.

The building had been serving as a shelter for Palestinian displaced people who had been forced out of their homes. The Israeli military said in a statement that it had made every effort to spare civilians in the bombing of what it called a militant group Hamas control centre.

Further Israel Airstrikes Raise Death Toll in Gaza

A further 20 were killed in a pre-dawn airstrike on the Shejaia suburb of Gaza City, taking the overall number of casualties tallied by the local health ministry to 97 in the last 24 hours.

The massive wave of Israeli bombing follows a significant escalation of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) air and ground attacks in the blockaded Palestinian territory since Israel’s withdrawal from a two-month-old truce two weeks ago.

The Israeli army reported Thursday that it had hit over 600 “terror targets” throughout the strip since restarting mass-scale airstrikes on 18 March. Gaza’s health ministry, upon which the UN bases casualty numbers, reports that 1,163 have been killed in bombings since the ceasefire fell apart.

Benjamin Netanyahu Announces Seizure of Territory

On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, described the army as “dividing up” and “seizing territory” from Gaza. The strip has had humanitarian aid, food, and fuel supplies blocked by Israel for more than a month as a way to squeeze Hamas.

He did not specify how much Palestinian territory Israel planned to seize in the resumed offensive, but under Ocha, the UN aid agency, the IDF has designated 64% of the land as military buffer zones and “no-go” civilian zones.

Fear of Permanent Displacement Grows

Netanyahu’s most recent announcement has rekindled the fear of permanent displacement for the strip’s 2.3 million people. It will also likely exacerbate concerns that Israel is seeking to take permanent control of the territory.

Mass Exodus from Rafah Amid Bombing

Thursday saw local media video documenting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians leaving the southern city of Rafah and its environs, as Israeli ground forces moved forward to establish Netanyahu’s newly declared security corridor. Travel was hindered, however, by no less than three Israeli attacks on the two major roads north.

New Corridor Splits Southern Gaza and Death Toll Rises

The “Morag route” takes its name from a Jewish community once located between Khan Younis and Rafah, implying the new military area will divide the two southern cities like Israel’s Netzarim corridor, south of Gaza City.

The Gaza war was prompted by Hamas’s 7 October 2023 invasion of Israel, in which Israel claims 1,200 men, the vast majority of whom were civilians, were killed and 250 more abducted. At least 50,357 individuals in Gaza, the majority of whom were civilians, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory assault, the territory’s health ministry says.

Attempts by Qatari and Egyptian mediators to resume talks on a ceasefire have yet to succeed.