Israel

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and a leader of Hamas, alleging they committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. This development follows ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s declaration on May 20, asserting his pursuit of arrest warrants related to the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas and the ensuing military actions in Gaza. Let’s dive into the potential ramifications of this situation and…

The acting chief of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, recently expressed that any potential hostage-for-prisoners exchange deal with Israel hinges on the cessation of hostilities in the region. “A prisoner swap is off the table if the war continues,” Mr. Hayya articulated during a discussion on Al-Aqsa television. He reinforced the group's stance regarding the conditions necessary for the conflict's resolution. “If the aggression persists, why would Hamas, or any rational actor, relinquish a valuable bargaining chip while…

European Union foreign ministers recently gathered in Brussels, but they failed to reach a consensus on suspending political dialogue with Israel. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski shared this update following the discussions. Josep Borrell, the EU's departing foreign policy chief, urged his fellow ministers to evaluate whether Israel has violated the human rights stipulations contained in the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This subject has gained importance against the backdrop of ongoing violence. In remarks…

Human Rights Watch has raised alarm bells in its latest report, asserting that Israel's ongoing evacuation orders in Gaza constitute what can be classified as the "war crime of forcible transfer." The organization boldly characterizes some of these actions as "ethnic cleansing" within various parts of the Palestinian territories. This stark depiction is not merely a casual observation; it's grounded in extensive research and firsthand accounts. In the words of the report, “Human Rights Watch has gathered compelling evidence…

The United States recently clarified that it does not believe Israel is breaching American laws regarding aid to Gaza, though it has called for faster progress in the humanitarian crisis. This statement comes hot on the heels of a warning from the Biden administration last month, suggesting it might reconsider military support if conditions didn’t improve. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed their concerns to Israel in a letter, indicating they were “deeply troubled” by the dire…

President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next ambassador to Israel, selecting a staunchly pro-Israel conservative. This decision could foreshadow shifts in American foreign policy concerning the tumultuous conflicts in the Middle East. Mr. Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, has been an unwavering supporter of Israel throughout his political journey. He’s consistently defended Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, earning him a reputation as a…

Benjamin Netanyahu has often expressed his belief that Donald Trump is arguably the best ally Israel has ever had in the Oval Office. In a bold display of support this week, the Israeli Prime Minister was among the first global leaders to extend his congratulations to Trump on his election victory, calling it "the greatest comeback in history." Such enthusiasm from Mr. Netanyahu comes as no big surprise. During Trump's initial term, he established himself as a fervent supporter of Israel. Among his many actions, the…

Israel has welcomed its new defense minister, Israel Katz, who recently took his oath before the parliament. This swearing-in followed the surprising removal of his predecessor, Yoav Gallant, at the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a move attributed to a significant erosion of trust during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Mr. Netanyahu made headlines on Tuesday when he dismissed Gallant, a decision fueled by persistent disagreements over Israel's military response to Hamas. This response came after a devastating…

The leader of Hezbollah recently stated that his organization possesses an impressive number of fighters, claiming tens of thousands are primed for battle. He emphasized that no part of Israel is off-limits when it comes to their potential operations. For over a year now, Israel and the Iran-supported Hezbollah have been locked in a cycle of violence, which has intensified alongside the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since late September, the situation has taken a more serious turn, with Israeli forces launching airstrikes…

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – On Saturday, Iran's leading figure, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning to Israel and the United States, vowing that any further aggression would provoke “a devastating response.” His remarks follow an uptick in Iranian threats aimed at Israel, especially in light of a military strike on October 26 that targeted Iranian bases, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals. The potential for a broader conflict looms over the already volatile Middle East, exacerbated by the…