Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet are investigating alleged foreign interference in the recent national election, focusing on claims of efforts to influence Arab voter turnout. While Qatar has been implicated and denied involvement, the probe's scope is limited and does not question the overall election results. High-level briefings have occurred, and final findings will be submitted to the Central Elections Committee.
India voted against a Pakistan-sponsored UN resolution on conventional arms control at regional and sub-regional levels, reiterating its long-held position that arms control is a global issue. Despite Israel also opposing the resolution, India firmly dismissed any suggestion of diplomatic coordination, emphasizing its decision was based on national considerations.
Israel is set to hold parliamentary elections on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vying to retain power. The election is a critical test of his leadership, influenced by the government's handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, subsequent wars, and ongoing legal challenges. Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, are challenging his right-wing coalition, but opinion polls suggest a fragmented outcome with no clear majority. Key issues include security, accountability for the October 7 attack, military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, and judicial reforms.
Israel's Election Commission is counting 'double envelope' votes, with Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud projected to be the largest party but his bloc falling short of a majority. The opposition bloc, along with Arab parties, holds a potential majority, leading to calls for a Jewish-Arab coalition to form a government and keep Netanyahu out. Negotiations are set to begin as President Herzog urges against another election.
US President Donald Trump has announced that Washington will end approximately $4 billion in annual assistance to Israel by the end of this year, saying that the country no longer requires American financial support, while Israel's Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan, belonging to the Anti-Netanyahu bloc, criticised the proposed move, calling it a severe blow to the country's security.
As Israel prepares for parliamentary elections on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical test of his leadership amidst the fallout from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the ongoing Gaza war, and significant domestic challenges.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day celebrations. The invitation also extends to brave Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who recently averted a potential hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Netanyahu highlighted the strong, long-standing ties and joint fight against terrorism between India and Israel.
Partial results from Israel's general election indicate that Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc remains short of a parliamentary majority with 54 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot has 48 seats, leading to a potential coalition deadlock.
A 41-year-old man from Mangaluru, employed in Israel, has been missing since October 16, prompting his family to seek urgent intervention from the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv and Israeli police.
Israel's crucial general elections witnessed over 16 per cent voter turnout in the first three hours, the highest since 1981, indicating a tight race between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Gadi Eisenkot. The election is influenced by the ongoing conflict and demands for accountability over the October 7, 2023, attack, with Arab citizens' participation potentially playing a significant role in the outcome.
Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.
Following significant midterm election losses, US Vice President J D Vance is reportedly forming a new political alliance targeting disaffected Trump supporters for the 2028 presidential election, while President Donald Trump is considering whether to retain Pete Hegseth as Secretary of War amid scrutiny over the Iran conflict.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated on Thursday evening that it is unclear who has the ability to form a government, despite Gadi Eisenkot receiving 67 recommendations and Benjamin Netanyahu 46. This uncertainty stems from mutual vetoes between and within political blocs, particularly concerning the inclusion of Arab parties due to their stance on Hamas. Herzog plans to hold personal talks with party leaders before tasking someone on Sunday.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his bravery in fighting off an attack from his co-pilot on a flydubai flight, preventing a potential catastrophe. President Isaac Herzog announced the honour, which will be presented once Machchhar recovers.
A news report details how Israel scrambled fighter jets and stood ready to shoot down a Flydubai plane after a co-pilot's cockpit stabbing attempt led to a rapid descent and fears of a hijacking en route to Tel Aviv.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a 'hero of the entire world' for his bravery in foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai flight, and has extended an invitation to Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day.
Over 160 Irish sports personalities, including Olympians and former professionals, have signed an open letter urging the Ireland national football team to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel.
Israeli forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off during a UEFA Nations League match against Austria after simulating a gun with the corner flag during his goal celebration, leading to a second yellow card.
Pakistan boycotted its Chess Olympiad opening round match against Israel in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to express solidarity with Palestine, resulting in a 4-0 walkover for Israel.
A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an apparent altercation in the cockpit. Israeli officials confirmed a "severe disaster" was averted, with initial fears of a hijacking prompting fighter jet deployment. Passenger accounts described panic and a pilot being stabbed, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a hero by Israeli leaders for his extraordinary bravery in thwarting an alleged mid-air attack by his co-pilot on a flydubai flight. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and prevent a catastrophic disaster. The flight, carrying 174 passengers, safely landed in Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar is recovering.
The UK has announced a comprehensive sanctions regime against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, banning the import of goods and targeting entities involved in settlement expansion. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband condemned the "ethnic cleansing of Palestinians" and highlighted international support for the UK's stance, while Israel reacted strongly with counter-measures.
Former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot has secured majority support from newly elected Knesset members, including key Arab parties, to be tasked with forming the next Israeli government. This development comes after the October 27 elections resulted in a political deadlock, with neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor Eisenkot's camp achieving a clear majority. Arab parties, holding 19 seats, emerged as kingmakers, recommending Eisenkot despite acknowledging disagreements, aiming to replace Netanyahu's government.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country's next government, marking a significant political setback for incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot secured recommendations from 67 lawmakers, while Netanyahu received 46, highlighting a shift in parliamentary support.
Gadi Eisenkot, a career soldier and leader of the centrist Yashar party, has emerged as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's principal challenger in the upcoming Israeli general election. His campaign is testing whether a leader from Israel's historically marginalised Mizrahi community can reshape the country's political establishment, which has been dominated by Ashkenazi Jews.
Modi's cautious response, omitting the public invite from his telephonic conversation summary, suggests India's reluctance to be drawn into Israel's internal politics, points out M R Narayan Swamy.
An Indian national, Rajiv Acharya, has tragically died in Israel, prompting an ongoing investigation by Israeli authorities. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed a suspect's arrest and is closely monitoring the case while offering assistance to the bereaved family.
US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is attempting to remove him from office, believing a Democratic administration would permit them to develop nuclear weapons. Trump vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and stated he has no regrets about his confrontational approach, claiming he would act the same way again. He also linked the ongoing conflict to rising stock markets and oil prices, and controversially suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified allegations of election fraud by Arab-led parties, describing suspected foreign interference as an "earthquake". The Central Elections Committee has asked the internal security agency, Shin Bet, to investigate these claims, which come amid an inconclusive election where neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition secured a majority. President Isaac Herzog has called for a thorough investigation while cautioning against general suspicion of the Arab community.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an urgent appeal to right-wing Likud voters on Tuesday, warning of high Arab voter turnout in the ongoing parliamentary election. He claimed Arab voters were "racing to the ballots" and attempting to "steal the election," echoing a controversial tactic from 2015. Netanyahu stressed the importance of every vote for the future of the "Jewish state," as Arab citizens' participation could significantly influence the political balance.
Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces' Main Military-Political Department, has warned that the escalating conflict in West Asia could lead to Israel ceasing to exist as a state, accusing Israel of seeking to widen the confrontation to involve the US and NATO.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation to discuss recent developments in West Asia, emphasising the urgent need for peace and stability. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran will not succumb to "bullying" from the US and Israel, vowing to protect national interests amidst escalating West Asian hostilities. During his visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, Pezeshkian also discussed strengthening bilateral ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocated for local currencies in BRICS trade, positioning Iran as a strategic energy and transport partner.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud emerged as the largest party in Israel's recent election, but his right-wing bloc secured only 53 seats, falling short of the 61 required for a parliamentary majority. This outcome positions Arab parties, with a combined 19 seats, as crucial powerbrokers in upcoming coalition negotiations.
Israel's parliamentary election results have led to uncertainty in government formation, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc failed to secure a majority. The situation is further complicated by allegations of electoral fraud and foreign interference, which have been refuted by election officials and the Shin Bet security agency.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned US and Israeli military aggression against Iran, including strikes on its nuclear facilities, and offered Russia's support to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, according to Iran's security chief Major General Mohsen Rezaei.
Americans are voting in crucial midterm elections, widely seen as a referendum on Donald Trump's presidency. The elections will determine control of the House and Senate, with Democrats hoping to gain power. Key races include governorships and numerous Indian-American candidates. Trump's last-minute policy announcements and campaigning efforts are highlighted, as analysts predict a potential shift in power that could limit his agenda.
The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that evidence suggests a flydubai pilot attempted to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight, but was stopped by an Israeli passenger and a crew member.
US President Donald Trump stated that the US still needs to address "one or two targets" in Iran, specifically mentioning a site like Pickaxe Mountain, claiming it could be done in 10 minutes. This comes as Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of an "unrestricted" response to any US or Israeli missteps. Despite the tough talk, diplomatic channels remain open, with both sides acknowledging ongoing talks, though Trump expressed skepticism about Iran's reliability in negotiations.
