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Netanyahu Guarantees Forceful Retaliation After Houthi Missile Attack On Tel Aviv

December 23, 2024, 12:36 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a missile attack on Tel Aviv that left 16 people injured. The attack, which occurred early on Saturday, marked a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and the Iran-aligned Houthi group, who have repeatedly targeted Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said Israel would target what he referred to as the last remaining arm of Iran’s “axis of evil.” “As we acted with force against the terrorist arms of Iran’s axis of evil, so we will act against the Huthis with force, determination, and sophistication,” Netanyahu vowed.

The missile, which fell in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area, caused injuries and forced many residents to evacuate their homes. The Houthis claimed they hit a “military target” in Jaffa, while Israel had already launched retaliatory strikes on Thursday against ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-controlled Yemen.

The situation escalated further when the US military struck Houthi targets in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Saturday, including a missile storage center and a command-and-control facility. Additionally, US forces shot down several Houthi drones and an anti-ship missile over the Red Sea.

Amid these developments, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an earlier operation targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which allegedly resulted in the downing of an F-18 aircraft in an incident of friendly fire.

Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Takes Effect After Netanyahu Cabinet’s 10-1 Approval

November 27, 2024, 1:51 pm

Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and France on Wednesday. This agreement marks a rare diplomatic win in a region that has experienced continuous conflict for over a year.

Lebanese Army Readies for Action

Lebanon’s army is preparing to deploy to the southern border region. They aim to ensure the ceasefire holds. The military also asked residents of border villages to wait before returning home. This is until Israeli forces, who had pushed six kilometers (about four miles) into Lebanon, fully withdraw.

A Diplomatic Milestone

The ceasefire seeks to end the ongoing conflict along the Israeli-Lebanese border. This conflict, which began after the Gaza war last year, has resulted in thousands of deaths. The agreement represents a significant diplomatic success for the US as President Joe Biden’s administration nears its final days. Biden also mentioned ongoing efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and the possibility of Saudi Arabia and Israel normalizing relations.

Unclear Gunfire in Beirut

After the ceasefire began at 0200 GMT, bursts of gunfire were heard in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital. It was unclear if the gunfire was celebratory or a signal for evacuation warnings. Previously, gunfire had been used to alert people in Lebanon about Israeli military evacuation orders.

Displaced People Begin to Return

Following the ceasefire, displaced residents from southern Lebanon started returning home. Many had fled due to Israeli strikes in recent months. Reuters witnesses reported cars filled with families heading back to the area. Some returned with Hezbollah flags, passing through bombed-out southern suburbs of Beirut.

Biden’s Diplomatic Outreach

At the White House on Tuesday, Biden addressed the ceasefire agreement. He said he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The agreement ensures that fighting will stop by 4 a.m. local time (0200 GMT).

US Rejects ICC Arrest Warrants for Israeli PM Netanyahu and Former Defence Minister Gallant

November 22, 2024, 12:08 pm

The United States on Friday rejected the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged “crimes against humanity and war crimes.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized the ICC’s decision during a press briefing, expressing concerns about procedural flaws and the prosecutor’s haste. She stated, “We fundamentally reject the court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials.” Jean-Pierre reiterated the US stance that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the matter, emphasizing that there is no evidence to support the prosecutor’s claims and reaffirming the US commitment to supporting Israel.

The ICC, based in The Hague, issued the warrants on Thursday, accusing Netanyahu and Gallant of targeting civilians and enforcing policies of starvation in Gaza. Netanyahu condemned the decision, calling it “antisemitic” and likening it to the infamous Dreyfus trial. In a video statement, he described the ICC’s actions as baseless and highlighted Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties during military operations in Gaza.

Netanyahu outlined measures such as warning civilians through messages and leaflets, contrasting this with Hamas’s alleged use of human shields. He also rejected accusations of a starvation policy, citing the supply of 700,000 tons of food and other humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Israeli Prime Minister further criticized the ICC for ignoring war crimes in other conflict zones, including Iran, Syria, and Yemen, and for failing to hold Hamas accountable for its actions. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, stating, “No biased anti-Israel decision in The Hague will prevent the State of Israel from defending its citizens.”

He thanked the US and other allies for condemning the ICC’s move and reiterated that Israel does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction. Netanyahu framed Israel’s struggle as a broader battle for civilization, stating, “Our enemies are your enemies, and our victory will be your victory—the victory of civilization over barbarism and tyranny.”

Israeli Soldiers Seize Weapons Cache Under Lebanese Schoolyard

November 20, 2024, 6:47 am

Israeli soldiers uncovered a weapons cache hidden beneath a schoolyard in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the discovery on Tuesday. The underground Hezbollah facility stretched several meters and contained rockets, explosives, and rocket-propelled grenades.

More Weapons Found Nearby

In a nearby building, soldiers seized additional weapons and equipment. They captured rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles, military supplies, and intelligence documents. The IDF stated these items were likely part of Hezbollah’s military operations.

Netanyahu Vows to Stop Hezbollah

On Monday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Knesset. He stressed the need for continued action against Hezbollah.
“We will be required, in order to ensure our security in the north, to systematically carry out operations—not only against Hezbollah’s attacks, which could come. Even if there is a ceasefire, nobody can guarantee it will hold. So it’s not only our reaction, a preventive reaction, a reaction in the wake of attack but also the capacity to prevent Hezbollah from strengthening,” he said.

Hezbollah Hides Weapons in Civilian Areas

Experts say Hezbollah heavily relies on civilian areas to hide its weapons. Sarit Zahavi, founder of the Alma Research Center, explained the group’s strategy.
“Hezbollah stores their weapons everywhere, both between villages and within the villages themselves. By and large, every third house in the Shi’ite villages of south Lebanon is used in some way by Hezbollah for military purposes, be it weapons storage, the entrance of a tunnel, or a launchpad for shooting rockets at Israel,” she said.
Zahavi added that soldiers have found cruise missiles inside homes, ready to launch.

Conflict Escalates After Hamas Attacks

The situation worsened after Hamas attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023. Since then, Hezbollah has fired rockets and drones daily at northern Israel. More than 68,000 Israeli residents have been forced to leave their homes. Hezbollah leaders vowed to keep attacking to prevent Israelis from returning.

Violations of UN Resolution

Hezbollah’s actions violate UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, passed after the 2006 Lebanon War, prohibits Hezbollah from operating south of the Litani River. However, their military activities in the area continue.

Impact of October 7 Attacks

The October 7 attacks had devastating consequences. Over 1,200 people were killed, and 252 individuals, including foreigners, were taken hostage. Of the 97 hostages still held, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas also continues to hold two Israeli civilians, as well as the remains of two soldiers killed in 2014.

Netanyahu Congratulates Trump On Historic Win Over Phone Call, Discusses Iran Threat

November 6, 2024, 11:44 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, congratulating him on his historic election victory. The two leaders, who spoke for about 20 minutes, discussed Israel’s security concerns, particularly the ongoing Iranian threat. Netanyahu was among the first world leaders to call Trump following his win.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office described the conversation as “warm and cordial,” with both leaders agreeing to collaborate on Israel’s security in the future. The Israeli Prime Minister also took to social media, posting a message of congratulations, highlighting Trump’s “greatest comeback” and affirming the strong alliance between Israel and the United States.

Dear Donald and Melania Trump,

Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!

Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.

This is a huge victory!

In true friendship,… pic.twitter.com/B54NSo2BMA

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) November 6, 2024

Trump’s victory secured him a second term in the White House, overcoming Democratic challenger Kamala Harris. After winning the critical battleground state of Wisconsin, Trump clinched the necessary 270 electoral votes, with the AP calling the race in his favor as he reached 277 votes compared to Harris’s 224.

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s US Congress Address Amid Ceasefire Urgency

June 7, 2024, 2:23 pm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address US Congress on July 24, as announced by Republican party leaders on Thursday. This visit occurs amidst increasing pressure for both Israel and Hamas militants to agree to a lasting ceasefire, especially as Israel faces growing diplomatic isolation over the escalating death toll in Gaza.

President Joe Biden recently presented a three-phase plan aimed at resolving the conflict, releasing all hostages, and facilitating the reconstruction of Gaza without Hamas in power. However, Netanyahu’s office emphasized that the war initiated by attacks on October 7 would continue until Israel’s objectives, including the dismantling of Hamas, are achieved. Hamas has not yet responded to this plan.

In a show of solidarity with Israel against terrorism and Hamas’s continued captivity of American and Israeli citizens, top party leaders from both sides in the US House and Senate invited Netanyahu to speak before a joint meeting of Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell stated that Netanyahu’s visit signifies the enduring relationship between the US and Israel, providing him with an opportunity to outline Israel’s vision for defending democracy, combating terrorism, and establishing lasting peace in the region.

This visit follows a call from Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in March for Israel to hold new elections, reflecting rare criticism from a senior American official regarding Israel’s handling of the conflict in Gaza. Despite differences, Schumer emphasized the strong bond between the US and Israel, transcending individual leaders.

The ongoing war, initiated by Hamas attacks on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. International efforts, including mediation by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aim to secure a ceasefire and a prisoner-hostage swap. However, Israel faces increasing diplomatic challenges, with accusations of war crimes and recognition of a Palestinian state by several European countries.

Netanyahu’s planned visit to the US Congress represents a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing conflict and diplomatic pressures faced by Israel.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Insists On Hamas ‘Destruction’ For Gaza Ceasefire

June 2, 2024, 11:49 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will not agree to Gaza ceasefire until Hamas is entirely destroyed. This stance casts doubt on U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent announcement of a new Israeli-led ceasefire proposal.

Conditions for Ceasefire

In a rare statement on Saturday during the Jewish Shabbat, Netanyahu emphasized, “Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter.”

Address to Congress

Netanyahu also accepted an invitation to address a joint session of Congress in the coming months. His comments followed Biden’s late-night announcement on Friday, where the U.S. President urged Hamas to accept a new three-phase roadmap towards a permanent ceasefire in the nine-month-old conflict, purportedly tabled by Israel.

Global Reactions

Hamas responded positively to the proposal on Friday, despite having previously stated it would not negotiate while Israeli military operations continued in Gaza. Biden’s announcement has been welcomed by world leaders despite Israel’s apparent hesitation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on “all parties to seize this opportunity for a Gaza ceasefire, release all hostages, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and ultimately achieve durable peace in the Middle East.” UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed these sentiments, urging Hamas to accept the proposal.

Uncertainty Over Israeli Support

Despite Biden’s description of the plan as an Israeli proposal, there is uncertainty about Netanyahu’s government’s support for the plan. Biden’s pointed call for an end to the conflict seems designed to pressure both Israel and Hamas.

Opposition and Coalition Dynamics

Due to Shabbat, there was little immediate reaction in Israel to Biden’s speech or Netanyahu’s comments. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to agree to a hostage and ceasefire deal, stating his party would support it even if right-wing factions in the coalition rebelled.

Diplomatic Challenges

Biden’s announcement came two weeks after Netanyahu rejected a new proposal, reportedly criticizing the Israeli delegation’s negotiation skills. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, after a recent visit to the region, expressed doubts about Netanyahu’s commitment to a long-term peace process.

Pressure from Within

Tensions have also risen following a meeting between Israeli hostage families and the country’s national security adviser, who told them the government would not sacrifice its war aims to secure the hostages’ release. Any concessions to Palestinians are opposed by Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, who have threatened to collapse the government over such moves.

Call for Post-War Plan

Netanyahu faces pressure from military and intelligence chiefs and centrist members of his war cabinet to develop a plan for Gaza’s administration and reconstruction post-war. Benny Gantz, a key rival who joined Netanyahu’s emergency unity government, has threatened to resign if Netanyahu does not commit to a post-war plan by June 8.

Ceasefire Roadmap Details

The new ceasefire roadmap, while similar to previous proposals, reportedly includes significant Israeli concessions discussed in Paris between the CIA Director and the Mossad head. The plan’s first phase involves a six-week extendable ceasefire, with Hamas releasing some hostages in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from populated Gaza areas and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners. The second phase would see the release of all remaining hostages and a complete Israeli withdrawal, leading to a lasting truce. The third phase focuses on major reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Impact

The conflict, which began with Hamas’s assault on October 7 that killed around 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage, has resulted in approximately 36,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry. A previous hostage and prisoner release deal collapsed after a week, and ceasefire negotiations have repeatedly failed since.

Military Operations in Rafah

Israeli forces continued their operations in southern Gaza’s Rafah on Saturday, displacing about 1 million people. Israel’s ground troop deployment to Rafah last month led to the collapse of previous ceasefire talks and significantly disrupted aid deliveries.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Introduces Controversial Bill to Conscript Orthodox Men

May 16, 2024, 1:52 pm

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the Israeli premier will advance contentious legislation for conscripting members of the Orthodox Jewish community into army service.

“In order to bridge the disagreements and bring about a broad consensus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to advance the conscription law that passed its first reading in the previous Knesset,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The legislation being presented was prepared in 2022 by former Defense Minister Benny Gantz during the previous government. That legislation never set specific quotas for Haredi, or Orthodox enlistment, but its goal was for the majority of Haredi men to be conscripted.

The legislation allowed for haredi men to continue religious studies while serving in the army, and for a small number of elite students to receive exemptions.

The Ministerial Committee for Legislation, which coordinates legislative initiatives among various government ministries, is due to discuss the legislation on Thursday morning.

The legislation was publicly opposed by the Haredi parties in 2022, which were then in opposition. In a turn of the tables, those parties now support the legislation. Gantz is a member of the War Cabinet as a minister without a portfolio.

On Saturday night, Gantz called on Netanyahu not to present his legislation, saying it would not successfully promote Haredi enlistment.

“The State of Israel needs soldiers, not political tricks that tear apart the people during war,” Gantz said in response to Netanyahu’s announcement. The legislation he authored “is no longer relevant in the reality after October 7,” Gantz said.

But The Press Service of Israel found that Haredi attitudes towards military service have softened since Hamas’s October 7 attacks.

Israel’s High Court of Justice on May 2 gave the government a two-week reprieve to present its plan to conscript the country’s Orthodox community into military service, a reprieve which expires on Thursday.

Haredi political leaders have threatened to quit the governing coalition if the High Court imposes conscription.

Netanyahu faces an uphill battle. Current Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has said he will not support any proposals not backed by Gantz or Gadi Eisenkot, another minister without portfolio serving on Israel’s War Cabinet.

Military service is compulsory for all Israeli citizens. However, Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, and the country’s leading rabbis agreed to a status quo that deferred military service for Orthodox men studying in yeshivot, or religious institutions. At the time, no more than several hundred men were studying in yeshivot.

However, the Orthodox community has grown significantly since Israel’s founding. In January 2023, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported that Haredim are Israel’s fastest-growing community and projected it would constitute 16 per cent of the population by the end of the decade. According to the Israel Democracy Institute, the number of yeshiva students exceeded 138,000 in 2021.

That demographic growth has fueled passionate debates about “sharing the burden” of military service, the status of religious study in a Jewish society, and Haredi integration.

Gaza Ceasefire? US Secretary Talks with Israel PM Netanyahu

May 1, 2024, 6:41 pm

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his visit to Jerusalem on Wednesday. The meetings, reported by The Times of Israel, focused on pressing issues such as the Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian assistance amid ongoing tensions in the region.

According to The Times of Israel, the initial meeting between Blinken and Netanyahu was held privately, followed by a broader discussion involving respective staff members. Netanyahu was accompanied by key advisers and officials, including Strategic Affairs Adviser Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, among others. Blinken’s delegation included Ambassador Jack Lew and Assistant Secretary of State for the Middle East Barbara Leaf, among others.

Blinken’s visit to Israel comes after his efforts in Saudi Arabia to push for a ceasefire in Gaza. Prior to his arrival in Israel, Blinken emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation, stressing the need for immediate action and aid for the people of Gaza affected by the conflict.

During his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, Blinken attributed the failure of a hostage deal to Hamas, calling for swift action and cooperation to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. He also highlighted Israel’s proposal for a ceasefire as “extraordinarily generous” and urged Hamas to make the right decision for peace.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, also present in Riyadh during discussions with Blinken, echoed the sentiment of optimism regarding the proposed ceasefire, expressing hope for acceptance from both Israel and Hamas.

The ongoing diplomatic efforts underscore the international community’s concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a lasting ceasefire to prevent further escalation of hostilities. Blinken’s engagements in the region reflect a concerted push for dialogue and constructive steps towards de-escalation and humanitarian relief.

Israel Reopens Erez Border Crossing for Humanitarian Aid Following Biden’s Call

April 6, 2024, 10:42 am

On day following the Netanyahu government’s approval to reopen the Erez border crossing for humanitarian aid into Gaza, US President Joe Biden stated that Israel’s actions are in response to his call for measures to reduce humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.

“I asked them to do what they’re doing,” stated Biden in his comments when queried by a journalist regarding the possibility of halting military support to Israel. Biden made these remarks while departing the White House to inspect the damage from the recent bridge collapse in Baltimore.

The US President’s statement followed a strained phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the call, President Biden cautioned that the US might reevaluate its policy unless Israel undertook definitive measures to safeguard civilian lives and aid workers. This warning came in the wake of Israeli strikes that resulted in the deaths of seven food relief workers affiliated with the World Central Kitchen.

Following the dialogue between the two leaders, Israel announced the opening of the Erez crossing on Gaza’s northern border, allowing temporary aid delivery through the Ashdod port. This move aims to increase the flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Moreover, Israel has also committed to increasing the amount of assistance entering Jordan through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Earlier on Friday, ABC News host George Stephanopoulos queried White House spokesperson Kirby about whether Israel’s recent adjustments meet Biden’s requirements.

In his response, Kirby stated, “Well, we’re going to have to watch and see where they go from here…” referring to the overnight moves as “good starts.” Regarding Biden’s communications with Netanyahu, the National Security Council spokesperson said, “But we’ve got to see them execute and implement those things over time.”

Meanwhile, during a press conference on Friday for the US-European Union Trade and Technology Council in Belgium, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a message that echoed previous statements.

He stated, “These are positive developments, but the real test is results and that’s what we’re looking to see in the coming days and in the coming weeks.” He also mentioned that the US would closely monitor the frequency of aid trucks entering Gaza and the reversal of food insecurity indicators.

Erez Crossing, also referred to as Beit Hanoun, is a significant border crossing between Israel and the northern Gaza Strip. Recently, it was reopened for the first time since the October 7 attack by Hamas. Previously, Israel had maintained strict control over land crossings and prohibited all travel by air and sea to and from Gaza.

Prior to the onset of the conflict, the enclave had two operational crossings: Erez, designated for the passage of individuals, and Kerem Shalom, intended for the transfer of goods.

US President Biden and Israeli PM Netanyahu agree to keep delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza

October 23, 2023, 11:25 am

In a telephone conversation on Monday between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both leaders reaffirmed the necessity of maintaining the flow of relief supplies and humanitarian aid into Gaza. President Biden called Prime Minister Netanyahu, according to a statement from the White House, to discuss events in Gaza and the surrounding area.

“The leaders affirmed that there will now be a continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza,” the White House statement said.
Meanwhile, President Biden welcomed the first two convoys of humanitarian assistance since Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack.
According to the statement, the aid has crossed the border into Gaza and is being distributed to Palestinians in need.

Additionally, Biden expressed gratitude for Israel’s assistance in facilitating the release of two American hostages. Two US citizens were released from Hamas captivity on Saturday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Their family members said they had been visiting relatives in Nahal Oz, a farming community in southern Israel, and were released on “humanitarian grounds” due to the mother’s poor health.
Moreover, the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to further secure the release of all the remaining hostages, including US citizens, taken by Hamas.
They also discussed the way to provide safe passage for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to depart, according to the statement.