Israel Aerospace Industries successfully tested its medium range surface to air missile in India. It is able to shoot down enemy aircraft at a range of 50-70 kilometers. It is meant to help protect India from enemy aircraft. It is used by the Israeli navy, as well as the Indian navy and ground forces.
Tag: Benny Gantz

Israel Roundup — Pollard Arrives, Elections are Coming
Jonathan Pollard arrived in Israel after having been released from parole restrictions in the United States. Pollard was convicted of spying for Israel when he was working as an intelligence analyst in 1984. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. Israel considered the sentence severe because his espionage was for them, an ally of the United States.

Israel Heads to New Elections, Again
A final attempt in the Israeli Knesset to stop new elections failed Monday night. The bill to avoid dissolution failed to pass. After three elections, the Israeli coalition government reached a compromise between the two major parties, Likud and Blue and White, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Israel Braces for Fourth Election in Two Years
The Israeli Knesset approved a preliminary vote on Wednesday on a bill to dissolve itself. This threatens to plunge Israel into a fourth elections in less than two years. The bill needs to pass three more readings before the fourth elections will be called. After the vote, the bill was sent to the Knesset House Committee for deliberation.

World Zionist Organization Meets Virtually, Contentiously
The World Zionist Organization (WZO) met this week for three days. The WZO was established in 1897 by Theodore Herzl. The usual meeting takes place in Jerusalem, but this week it was done virtually because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Seven hundred delegates and observers from over 30 countries took part in the conference.

COVID-19 — Per Capita Cases Increasing in Israel
Israel has been one of the leading countries in the world for COVID-19 cases per capita. At press time, Israel and the United States are neck and neck in this statistic neither nation wants. There are 21,251 cases per million people in the United States, compared to 20,759 in Israel.

Israeli AG Says Netanyahu Isn’t Obliged To Step Down Due To Trial
Israel’s Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t have to step down from his position of leadership due to his pending graft case. AG Mandelblit spoke during an Israel Bar Association conference in Herzliya earlier this week. The AG added that Netanyahu is not allowed to appoint legal officials while case is pending.

Israel Roundup — Peace Deal Growing, Coalition Deal Cracking
The Abraham Accords— the peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates— is exciting to almost all Israelis and brings a new beginning in development of peace in the Middle East. The UAE is the first Gulf Arab nation to make peace with Israel. Egypt and Jordan already have friendly relations with Israel.

Israeli Police Officer Wounded in Old City Stabbing
The Israeli Police announced that a man attempting to carry out a knife attack in the Old City of Jerusalem was killed on Monday evening by Israeli security forces. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that the security forces had “shot” the attacker and a policeman was “lightly wounded.”

Israel Roundup — Coalition Collapsing, COVID Concerns?
After three elections, Israel was not able to reach a majority coalition of 61 mandates. Under the pressure of Coronavirus, it was able to reach a compromise between the two largest parties: Blue and White and Likud. Benny Gantz broke off from Blue and White to join in with Likud.

Netanyahu Wants New Elections, Faces Resistance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing immense criticism from the Israeli citizenry for his poor handling of the coronavirus crisis, and the current economic turmoil that is devastating the country. Currently locked in an unfavorable political arrangement, he’s apparently looking for a way out.

Netanyahu Plotting Dissolution, November Elections?
So what’s Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu up to? Well, a section of Israel’s local media have reported that sources close to the country’s premier have leaked information to the effect that the veteran ruler is keen on dissolving the coalition government currently governing the nation.

Police Disperse anti-Netanyahu Protesters
Israeli police are using water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters outside the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many are demonstrating against the prime minister’s leadership due to the bribery and breach of trust charges that he faces, and his poor handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israel Roundup: Protests and Possible Treatments
Israelis have gone out into the streets demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Thousands of protesters tried to break into the Prime Minister’s home in Jerusalem. The demonstrators, carrying torches, had to be pulled away from the gate by police.

Bibi, Benny Clash After Arrest of Protesters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, his partner in the coalition government, have clashed following the arrest of three protesters demonstrating against Netanyahu’s leadership. They were arrested at a “black flag” rally against Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.

West Bank Annexation Plans Face Major Hurdles
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has the ambition to eventually etch his name in the history books as the leader who annexed the West Bank. The move will be a crucial milestone in his legacy. His annexation plans are, however, set to hit a few major hurdles.

Netanyahu Allegedly Seeking to Dissolve Government
A new report by the Times of Israel alleges that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is looking to sabotage the current unity government with Benny Gantz. According to the publication, the Prime Minister is waiting for the right moment to break up the partnership.

Israel Gets New Government After 18 Months
The largest government in Israeli history was sworn in after a year and a half, in which the Knesset dissolved for three consecutive elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his coalition’s immediate challenge is to provide jobs. The 35th government is the largest in history, with 36 ministers and 16 deputy ministers.

Knesset Approves Netanyahu-Gantz Unity Government
The Israeli Knesset today approved the new government of national unity between Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz. The vote brings to an end the longest political crisis in the modern history of the Jewish state. Today’s vote came after Thursday’s postponement, giving it an outright majority.

New Israeli Government to be Sworn In Thursday
Israel is in the last steps before swearing in their new government on Thursday. With 36 ministerial positions, it will be the largest government in Israeli history. The new government was formed after two unsuccessful elections, and through the efforts of President Reuven Rivlin to unite the two sides: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz.

Knesset Approves Netanyahu-Gantz Government
The Israeli parliament today approved the formation of a government of national unity between the acting Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his erstwhile rival, Benny Gantz. This ends the longest political crisis in modern Israeli history. The leaders are now expected to swear in the power-sharing government next week.

Israel Roundup: High Court Affirms Coalition, COVID-19 Cases Decline
After failing to form a coalition government in three elections, it was decided that the two sides— Benny Gantz’s Israel Resilience Party, and Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud— should compromise. The compromise was made in the light of the emergency created by the Coronavirus.

Israel Roundup— Life Returning to Normal, New Government Formed
Bank Hapaolim, a major Israeli bank, agreed to pay $30 million in fines over its involvement in a scandal involving soccer’s world governing body, FIFA. Bank employees agreed to lauder kickbacks and bribes from December 2010-February 2015, which were given in exchange for broadcasting rights for sports marketing executives.

Thousands of Israelis Protest Netanyahu-Gantz Government
Thousands of protesters turned to Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square to demonstrate against a unity government deal between the country’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and former opposition leader Benny Gantz. The protesters claim that the move was an affront to the country’s democracy under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership.

Israelis Protest Gantz-Netanyahu Pact
Over 2,000 Israelis have taken to the streets of Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square to protest the unity government agreement between Benny Gantz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It leaves Netanyahu in power, even as he prepares to go to trial for a slew of corruption cases.

Israel: New Coalition Deal a Win for Netanyahu
On Monday, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his political rival, Benny Gantz, of the Israel Resilience Party signed a coalition government agreement. The consensus ended a string of deadlocked elections and saber-rattling between the two principal candidates for prime minister.

Netanyahu, Gantz, Agree to National Unity Government in Israel
After a year— and three non-conclusive legislative elections— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his top rival, Benny Gantz, a former general, and leader of the Blue and White party, agreed to form a national unity government. Under the agreement, the post of Prime Minister will be rotated between the two leaders.

Netanyahu and Gantz Sign Deal for Unity Government
After many attempts to form a new government in Israel, and three elections in one year, an agreement was finally made between Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz of the Israel Resilience Party. The two will form an emergency unity government. Gantz’s party will receive sixteen ministerial positions and Likud will have fourteen.

Israel Roundup: No New Government, Stores May Reopen
Last-ditch negotiations between Benny Gantz’s Israel Resilience Party and Likud, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, have failed to reach a coalition deal. However, both sides are still talking. Gantz was given the chance to make a government through uniting with Likud, but his attempt failed.

Israel: Annexation a Key Sticking Point Preventing Unity Government
Israel has had three elections in the past year, and is still waiting for the final decision between Israel Resilience Party leader Benny Gantz and Likud’s Benjamin Netanyahu to form a united coalition. They are very close to finalizing the Unified government. One of the major issues which still needs an agreement from Gantz is the annexation of parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley.

Gantz Joins Netanyahu in Unity Government, Shocking Israel
Israel is working to limit the spread of Coronavirus, like the rest of the world. As of Thursday, there are 2,666 people sick with coronavirus, and of them, 39 are in bad condition. Eight people have died. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has slowly enforced restrictions on the Israeli public to prevent the spread of the virus.

Israeli President instructs Benny Gantz to form government
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has asked opposition leader Benny Gantz, head of the Blue and White party, to try and form the next government. The decision comes after elections on March 2, the third vote in the country in less than a year. President Rivlin announced his decision to give Gantz a chance to negotiate a coalition during a press conference in Jerusalem.

Israel: Benny Ganz to Be New Prime Minister
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main political rival, Benny Ganz, has been given the opportunity to form a new coalition government. Netanyahu’s Likud Party won more seats than Benny Ganz’s Blue and White, but among the members of the Knesset as a whole, Gantz had an edge over Netanyahu.

Coronavirus: Israel in State of Emergency
Like all the countries in the world, the coronavirus has struck in Israel. A total of 200 people have been infected with the virus, 157 people have been hospitalized, and the remainder are being treated at home. Thousands of others are in the middle of a two week quarantine. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel will shut down all shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities for at least five weeks.

Israel Roundup: Coronavirus Spreading, Ballots Counting
Israel, like many countries in the world, is faced with the crisis of the Coronavirus. It has restricted tourism from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Italy. Israelis arriving from Italy are required to keep self-quarantine. There is also discussion about extending these restrictions for Australia.

Netanyahu Claims “Biggest Win of My Life” in Israeli Elections
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Monday’s legislative elections “the biggest win of my life,” which put him in a position of strength to form the next government and to face the corruption accusations leveled against him. After voting and finding the first results in Jerusalem, Netanyahu went to Tel Aviv during the night, where his supporters and the Likud party in general welcomed him with a “Bibi, King of Israel” shouting and chanting.

Israel Election: Netanyahu Beats Gantz, Short of Majority Again
Approximately 6.5 million Israelis voted for 120 members of the Israeli Knesset. According to electoral authorities, until two hours before the polls were closed, almost 66% of the people exercised their voting rights. Voter turnout was the highest since 1999. Many predicted that the turnout for the third elections in a year would be low.

Israel Roundup: Coronavirus Spreads, Election Looming
Israel has closed its borders to tourists from Asian countries to include Japan and South Korea. Last week, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand were included on this list with China. Closing the borders to these countries is almost impossible considering that there are always people from these countries visiting on business or on their everyday jobs in embassies.

Israel’s March Elections to Decide Deal of the Century
President Trump on Sunday met with the two leaders of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz. They came to Washington to hear U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech about the Deal of the Century for Middle East peace. Netanyahu leads the Likud, the center-right political party in Israel, and Gantz represents Blue and White, the center-left alliance.

Indictment Awaits Netanyahu Upon His Return to Jerusalem
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was officially indicted in three corruption cases, a first for a sitting Prime Minister. The decision came hours after Netanyahu announced he won’t be seeking immunity from prosecution in his corruption cases, early Tuesday. Netanyahu made the announcement in Washington, where he’s been meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, to discuss his Middle East peace plan to be unveiled later today. Netanyahu’s main rival, Benny Gantz, has also been there. He’s now on a flight back to Israel.

Immunity in the Israeli News: Against the Flu, For Netanyahu
When you hear the word immunity being used in the Israeli media, it can be confusing as to which type of immunity is being discussed. In Israel, there is a flu epidemic, which has already taken several lives. Health organizations in Israel have a surge of people showing up for flu vaccinations in the wake of four deaths within the past week, and dozens of others that have recently been hospitalized with serious illness from the virus. Eleven people have died since the beginning of the 2018-19 flu season and 98 are in the hospital with serious conditions. The nine who have died were from complications from swine flu.

Tech Entrepreneurs Ask Netanyahu to Resign
On Tuesday, over 70 notable Israeli entrepreneurs signed a letter urging lawmakers to prevent the political uncertainty from progressing. On Wednesday, a collective of tech industry heads sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asking him to resign in light of the corruption charges brought against him. They condemned his attack on the judiciary and the Attorney General while underscoring the need for stability, which maintains economic progress.

Avigdor Lieberman Kills Last Chance for Gantz Government
At 2:00 Israel time, Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced that he refuses to join any minority government, whether it be the minority government of Benjamin Netanyahu or the minority government of Benny Gantz.

Israel: Iron Dome Intercepts Missiles, Government Formation Continues
Iѕrаеlі army ѕроkеѕmаn Avichay Adraee ѕаіd оn Tuesday that fоur rосkеtѕ fіrеd frоm Sуrіа were fіrеd at thе Golan Hеіghtѕ, while Syrian media reported explosions near Dаmаѕсuѕ Intеrnаtіоnаl Aіrроrt. Adraee explained that the Israeli Irоn Dоmе іntеrсерtеd the four mіѕѕіlеѕ аnd wаѕ drорреd оvеr thе Sуrіаn Qunеіtrа area in the Sуrіаn Gоlаn, nоtіng thаt nоnе оf thеm rеасhеd Israeli territory.

Netanyahu Condemns Gantz Agreement with Arabs, Two Missiles Fired at Beer Sheba
Blue & White leader Benny Gantz has until next Thursday to make a government. If not there may be new elections. The current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is in the middle of an indictment, and in a difficult situation preventing him from joining a national unity government.

Netanyahu Proposes Budget Cuts for Civilian Uses to Increase Defense Spending
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will have to change its priorities when it comes to the delegation of resources to curb Iran’s belligerence. Speaking on Monday, he said that the country would have to pull more funds from civilian budgets in order to achieve this.

Israel Preparing for Potential Retaliation by Iran for Strikes in Syria
Local Israeli media says that Jerusalem is preemptively bolstering defenses should Iran retaliate for an ongoing series of attacks on its proxies attributed to the IDF. Sources say the Israeli military will focus on Israel preparing for potential retaliation by Iran for Israel air strikes in Syria
Missiles from Iran have the potential to strike major cities in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem. Israel has struck different locations in Syria and Iraq related to the Iran militia. These attacks continue from day to day as news flashes relate these events without Israel claiming responsibility for the attacks, such as news reports about unidentified drone attacks on Iranian backed militia in Eastern Syria. Three drones were seen flying in the direction of their target.

Netanyahu Gives Up Forming Israeli Government
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has given up forming the nation’s next government. The outgoing premier made the announcement on Monday evening on his Facebook page that he had given up on efforts to form a government after the hotly-contested September 17 elections.

Israel Election Developments – Forming a United Government
The results of the Israel elections are final. Benny Gantz of the Blue-White party has defeated Netanyahu winning 33 mandates while Netanyahu and Likud received 31 mandates. The government consists of 120 mandates which is divided by all the various parties in the Israel coalition. The candidate who receives the most mandates like Benny Gantz has the first opportunity to make a majority government of 61 mandates. The President of Israel Reuven Rivlin is working to help Gantz achieve this majority.