Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu faces backlash after US-backed statement on Palestinian statehood

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem on December 9, 2024. [Photo by MAYA ALLERUZZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that his government remains firmly opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state, issuing the clarification amid intense criticism from far-right parties in his ruling coalition. The backlash followed a US-backed statement at the United Nations referencing a potential path towards Palestinian statehood.

The dispute erupted after the United States and several Muslim-majority countries endorsed a UN resolution supporting former US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the genocide in Gaza. The resolution includes language implying the possibility of an independent Palestinian state, provided that the Palestinian Authority undergoes significant reforms.

The clause triggered outrage among Israel’s far-right leadership, who had already voiced opposition to the Trump-brokered ceasefire in Gaza.

The political fallout now threatens the stability of Netanyahu’s coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—both influential far-right figures—demanded that Netanyahu explicitly reject any reference to Palestinian statehood. Ben-Gvir warned he would withdraw his party from the government if Netanyahu failed to issue a clear, unequivocal statement.

“Our opposition to a Palestinian state in any territory remains unchanged. Gaza will be demilitarised, and Hamas will be disarmed, one way or another. I don’t need assurances, tweets or lectures from anyone,” Netanyahu responded defiantly.

READ: Israel presses US to soften UN draft that references Palestinian self-determination, statehood

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Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Continue ReadingNetanyahu faces backlash after US-backed statement on Palestinian statehood

Netanyahu re-elected as Likud leader, set to run in Israel’s upcoming elections

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem on December 9, 2024 [MAYA ALLERUZZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was re-elected leader of the right-wing Likud Party on Thursday, with the premier nominated as the party’s candidate in the upcoming legislative elections, Anadolu reports.

According to Israeli Channel 14, Netanyahu was re-elected unopposed during a meeting of the party’s Election and Oversight Committee in Tel Aviv.

Under the party’s bylaws, a candidate is automatically elected when only one nomination is submitted, without the need for a vote.

Israel’s upcoming elections are scheduled for Oct. 27, 2026.

Netanyahu has led multiple Israeli governments since first taking office in 1996.

Thursday’s decision signals Netanyahu’s intention to run again despite the ongoing corruption charges against him.

Israeli law does not require him to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court.

READ: Israeli PM’s office: Netanyahu backs execution of Palestinian prisoners following ‘fair trial’

Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingNetanyahu re-elected as Likud leader, set to run in Israel’s upcoming elections

Israeli prime minister orders halt to West Bank annexation bills after US criticism

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U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) speak to the media before the interdelegational meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in West Jerusalem, on October 22, 2025. [POOL / Marc Israel Sellem – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his ruling coalition not to advance bills for annexation of the occupied West Bank in the Knesset following US criticism, a lawmaker said Thursday, Anadolu reports.

Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz said Netanyahu instructed him “not to advance proposals regarding applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) until further notice,” the daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

On Wednesday, the Knesset approved in a preliminary reading two bills to annex the West Bank and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement bloc. Both drafts still must pass three additional readings to become law.

The move drew US fire with US President Donald Trump saying that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. His Vice President JD Vance, who concluded a 3-day visit to Israel on Thursday, also called the Knesset vote “a stupid political stunt.”

READ: US vice president rules out West Bank annexation by Israel, calls Knesset vote ‘stupid political stunt’

Netanyahu, for his part, called the vote on the West Bank annexation bills “a deliberate political provocation by the opposition to sow discord during Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Israel.”

In a statement by his office, Netanyahu said that the two bills were sponsored by opposition members of the Knesset.

“The Likud party and the religious parties (the principal coalition members) did not vote for these bills, except for one disgruntled Likud member who was recently fired from the chairmanship of a Knesset committee,” Netanyahu said. “Without Likud support, these bills are unlikely to go anywhere.”

Annexing the West Bank would effectively end the possibility of implementing a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as outlined in UN resolutions.

In a landmark opinion last July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

READ: ‘We need to push for accountability’: Slovenia urges EU to keep Israel sanctions on table

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIsraeli prime minister orders halt to West Bank annexation bills after US criticism

Israeli premier fires his national security adviser over disputes on Qatar attack, Gaza City occupation: Media

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs meeting as the Israeli Security Cabinet gather to approve a cease-fire agreement and a prisoner swap deal with Hamas, in West Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. [Photo by Koby Gideon (GPO)/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi on Tuesday amid disagreements over policy decisions, including a recent attack on Qatar and an offensive to occupy Gaza City, local media said, Anadolu reports.

Hanegbi confirmed his departure, saying his tenure as head of the National Security Council would end after Netanyahu informed him a replacement would be appointed, The Jerusalem Post daily reported.

He called for a “thorough investigation” into Israel’s failures surrounding the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, saying he shared in the responsibility.

Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the deputy head of the National Security Council, Gil Reich, has been appointed as the acting head of the agency, replacing Hanegbi, according to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

Israeli media, including Channel 12, reported that Hanegbi had clashed with Netanyahu over both last month’s airstrike targeting Hamas leadership in the Qatari capital Doha and the launch of a military operation to occupy Gaza City.

READ: EU keeps sanctions on Israel ‘on the table’ despite Gaza ceasefire

Before the operation began, Hanegbi reportedly told the Cabinet he opposed Netanyahu’s push to take control of Gaza City, arguing it could endanger the lives of Israeli hostages.

“I fully agree with the chief of staff (Eyal Zamir) that taking control of Gaza City jeopardizes the lives of the hostages, which is why I oppose the prime minister’s proposal,” he was quoted as saying by Channel 12.

Five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer were killed in the Israeli attack in Doha on Sept. 9 amid a global condemnation of the strike.

A ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Oct. 10, based on a phased plan presented by US President Donald Trump. Phase one included the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Since October 2023, the Israeli genocidal war has killed over 68,200 people and injured more than 170,300, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

READ: Palestinians document over 150 assaults by illegal Israeli settlers since start of olive harvest season

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIsraeli premier fires his national security adviser over disputes on Qatar attack, Gaza City occupation: Media

Netanyahu says 153 tons of bombs dropped on Gaza, admits breach of ceasefire deal

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Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, during a news conference with US President Donald Trump, not pictured, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. [Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted Monday that his army struck the Gaza Strip on Sunday with 153 tons of bombs, in what amounts to an admission of violating a ceasefire agreement, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at the opening of the Knesset’s winter session, Netanyahu faced repeated interruptions from opposition lawmakers protesting his government’s policies and its deliberate prolonging of the Israeli war in Gaza.

“During the ceasefire, two soldiers fell… We struck them with 153 tons of bombs and attacked dozens of targets across the Gaza Strip,” he said.

The Gaza government media office reported 80 Israeli ceasefire violations since the US-sponsored agreement came into effect on Oct. 10, resulting in 97 Palestinians killed, including 44 on Sunday alone, and 230 others injured.

READ: Israel’s latest strikes on Gaza expose the fragile illusion of peace

Tel Aviv alleged that Hamas had attacked its forces in the southern city of Rafah. The Palestinian group has denied any involvement and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire deal was announced on Oct. 10, based on a phased plan presented by US President Donald Trump. Phase one included the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Since October 2023, the Israeli genocidal war has killed over 68,200 people and injured more than 170,200, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingNetanyahu says 153 tons of bombs dropped on Gaza, admits breach of ceasefire deal