Tag: Israel

Israeli Diplomat

India’s Stand Significant In Global War Against Terrorism: Israeli Diplomat

By LokMarg

The Consulate General of Israel to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani said on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stand over the recent rocket attack by Hamas on Israel is really significant in the global war against terrorism and called the attack “unacceptable”.

“The stand of the Indian Government today is of significant importance in the global war against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi is a global leader and is very important to us as a state, as a friend, and as a brother. The situation of attacking the sovereignty of the state of Israel is not acceptable,” said Shoshani.

Earlier expressing solidarity with Israel over the rocket strikes launched by Hamas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that India’s thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.

“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Mentioning the prevailing tensions between Hamas and Israel, Israel’s Consulate General reiterated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address after the attack that his “country is at war”.

He added, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it very clear that we are at war. We are at war against a terror organization that started 6:30 in the morning, against war against the State of Israel, in such a brutal way against innocent people. We are at war. We will act as if we are in a wall.”

Shoshani also condemned the attack which claimed the loss of infrastructure, and the lives of several people, adding that Israel would retaliate very strongly against the “unacceptable” move.

Shoshani said, “There is damage to the infrastructure and there is damage to buildings. But, the most important thing is the loss of human life. Dozens of innocent people have been killed. It’s the last day of the Israeli holiday. That was something unacceptable. We will retaliate in a very, very severe way because the state of Israel and the Israeli spirit cannot do something else.”

He added, “Hamas declared the war and Hamas will pay the price.”

Mentioning the support, he got from the people of India, Shoshani asserted that Israel is really strong to act against the attack and added that “We don’t need the help, but we need your support”.

He said further, “We need your support and understanding that today something happened, a declaration of war against the State of Israel. It’s something that we need support. The good people and the good states in the world and India is among them and this is very, very important for us.”

This comes after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on Saturday morning after Hamas launched a surprise attack.

Following the attack, red alert warning sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, located around 70 kilometres from the Gaza Strip, as well as, Sde Boker, Arad, and Dimona in the south.

In his first reaction after Hamas launched a “surprise attack”, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said Israel “was at war” and has ordered mobilization of reserves to give it back with the magnitude the enemy has not expected, asserting that they will “win it”.

In a video statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Netanyahu stated, “We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered, first of all, to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists. This currently is being carried out.”

Netanyahu has ordered the mobilization of reserves. He called on people of Israel to adhere to the directives of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Home Front Command.

“At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it,” Netanyahu said. (ANI)

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Israel Modi

We Stand In Solidarity With Israel: Modi

By LokMarg

Expressing solidarity with Israel over the rocket strikes launched by Hamas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that India’s thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.

This comes after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on Saturday morning after Hamas launched a surprise attack.

“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Naor Gilon, Israel’s Ambassador to India said that the “situation is not normal” but “Israel will prevail”.

“Thank you@PMOIndia. India’s moral support is much appreciated. Israel will prevail,” Israel envoy posted on X.

According to the latest developments, at least 22 people have been killed in the attack and over 300 people are wounded, with over 70 being seriously injured, The Times of Israel reported.

Following the attacks, the Indian Embassy in Israel on Saturday issued an advisory for its nationals, requesting them to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols.

“In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant, and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters. For additional information, please see the Israeli Home Front Command website (https://www.oref.org.il/en or their preparedness brochure. In case of an emergency, please contact us at +97235226748, or leave a message a cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in. The Embassy personnel remain at your disposal for any further guidance,” the advisory read.

Naor Gilon, Israel’s Ambassador to India, appreciated the support of the people of India, adding “We stand firm in the face of terrorism.”

Hamas has also claimed to have kidnapped five IDF soldiers, however, IDF has not yet spoken on the report, according to The Times of Israel

Israel has already declared a state of war in the country after infiltration by Hamas fighters and missile attacks from Gaza.

The Israel Defence Forces launched Operation ‘Iron Swords’ in response to Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, the Times of Israel reported. IDF is striking Hamas targets in Gaza.

The Israeli military is fighting Hamas terrorists in different locations in Southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip, including the towns of Kfar Aza, Sderot, Sufa, Nahal Oz, Magen, Be’eri and the Re’im military base, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI)

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Hamas Terror Attack

Death Toll From Hamas Attack Rises To Over 100

By LokMarg

More than 100 people have been killed in the Hamas “terror attack” on Israel, according to medical officials, The Times of Israel reported citing Hebrew-language media.

According to the Health Ministry, 908 injured people have been taken to hospital for treatment in the ongoing terror attack by Hamas on Israel’s southern and central region, The Times of Israel reported.

Some 800 people have been injured in the attacks, which have included dozens of Hamas terrorists infiltrating Israel and gunning down soldiers and people. Others were injured in rocket attacks.

In a statement posted on X, Israel Foreign Ministry stated, “At least 100 Israelis murdered and more than 900 wounded in terror attacks by Hamas terrorists.”

While sharing the post on X, Israel Foreign Ministry stated, “The fighting in southern Israel is still ongoing. Our security forces are securing areas which are under attack by Hamas terrorists who infiltrated Israeli communities and who have taken civilians captive.”

This comes after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel after Hamas launched a “surprise attack” on Saturday morning.

Terror cells from the Gaza group have infiltrated a number of communities in the south of the country, according to The Times of Israel report. Hamas has also claimed to have kidnapped five IDF soldiers. However, IDF has not yet spoken on the report.

The Israel Defense Forces’ top spokesman Rear (Adm.) Daniel Hagari has said that Hamas has taken Israelis as hostages to the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported.

Speaking to reporters, Hagari said Israeli soldiers have also been killed in the fighting. He did not reveal the number of hostages or soldiers killed. Hagari said there are still 22 locations of ongoing fighting in southern Israel, including hostage situations in Be’eri and Ofakim.

He said Israeli troops have reached all towns on the Gaza border and added that the forces are working to scan everyone, according to The Times of Israel report. According to Hagari, four divisions are being deployed to the Gaza border, joining 31 battalions that are already there.

In the first reaction to the ‘surprise attack’, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel “is at war”, further asserting that they will “win it”.

“We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered, first of all, to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists. This currently is being carried out,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.

Netanyahu has ordered the mobilization of reserves. He called on citizens of Israel to adhere to the directives of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Home Front Command.

Netanyahu said, “At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it.” (ANI)

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India New Missile Testing Range On East Coast

Israel: Death Toll From Hamas Attack Rises To 22

By LokMarg

The death toll in Israel from the Hamas rocket fire rose to 22, The Times of Israel reported on Saturday citing Magen David Adom’s emergency service.

According to the latest development, around 300 people were wounded in the attack and over 70 people were seriously injured.

This comes after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on Saturday morning after Hamas launched a surprise attack.

In a major development, the mayor of the Israel town, and head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, Ofir Liebstein, was killed in the deadly rocket fire from Hamas.

“Ofir was killed when he went to defend a town during the terrorist attack,” the report said, quoting a statement from the Council.

Terror cells from the Gaza group have infiltrated a number of communities in the south of the country, according to Times of Israel.

Hamas has also claimed to have kidnapped five IDF soldiers, however, IDF has not yet spoken on the report.

Mohammed Deif, the Hamas terror commander has called for an all-out attack on Israel, the Jerusalem Post reported.

“Our righteous mujahideen, this is your day to make the enemy understand that his time is over. They attacked and desecrated Al-Aqsa, and we had previously warned them,” he said in the video.

Meanwhile, terror group Hezbollah has ‘praised’ the Hamas operation calling it a “message to Arab countries normalizing with Israel”, according to The Times of Israel.

In the first reaction to the ‘surprise attack’, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel “is at war”, further asserting that they will “win it”.

“Citizens of Israel, we are at war. Not an operation, not an escalation- at war,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on X.

“We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered, first of all, to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists. This currently is being carried out,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.

Netanyahu stated that he had ordered the mobilization of reserves. He called on citizens of Israel to adhere to the directives of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Home Front Command.

“At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it,” Netanyahu said.

Meanwhile, several world leaders have condemned the ghastly attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists.

“Thank you to all of the governments, foreign ministries and friends around the world who have expressed their solidarity and support for Israel. Please keep us in your prayers,” the Israel Foreign Ministry stated on X.

In the wake of the ongoing violence, the Israel Defence Forces announced that it is cancelling schools in central and southern Israel, which would keep roughly 1 million children at home.

Israel has already declared a state of war in the country after infiltration by Hamas fighters and missile attacks from Gaza.

The Israel Defence Forces launched operation ‘Iron Swords’ in response to Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, the Times of Israel reported. IDF is striking Hamas targets in Gaza.

The Israeli military is fighting Hamas terrorists in different locations in Southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip, including the towns of Kfar Aza, Sderot, Sufa, Nahal Oz, Magen, Be’eri and the Re’im military base.(ANI)

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Hamas

Indian Embassy In Israel Issues Advisory For Citizens After Hamas Attack

By LokMarg

Following the rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip by Hamas, the Indian Embassy in Israel on Saturday issued an advisory for its nationals, requesting them to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols.

“In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant, and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters. For additional information, please see the Israeli Home Front Command website (https://www.oref.org.il/en or their preparedness brochure. In case of an emergency, please contact us at +97235226748, or leave a message a cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in. The Embassy personnel remain at your disposal for any further guidance,” read the advisory.

A barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday morning. Sirens were heard as far as Jerusalem multiple times beginning at 8:15 am (local time). The sirens were heard again at 10:15 am (local time).

At least one rocket directly hit a building in the Gederot Regional Council, killing a woman in her 60s, according to Magen David Adom, an Israeli national service.

Meanwhile, Naor Gilon, Israel’s Ambassador to India, appreciated the support of the people of India, adding “We stand firm in the face of terrorism.”

Israel has already declared a state of war in the country after infiltration by Hamas fighters and missile attacks from Gaza.

The Israel Defence Forces said dozens of fighter jets are carrying out strikes against sites belonging to the Hamas group in the Gaza Strip.

“Dozens of fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force are now attacking targets of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip in several locations, more details to follow,” posted Israeli Air Force on X.

Meanwhile, world leaders condemned the ghastly attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak expressed his shock over the attack, posting on X, “I am shocked by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We’re in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the terrorist attacks on Israel posting, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks currently hitting Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones.”

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong condemned the attacks on Israel by Hamas including indiscriminate rocket fire on cities and civilians.

“Australia unequivocally condemns the attacks on Israel by Hamas including indiscriminate rocket fire on cities & civilians. We call for these attacks to stop & recognise Israel’s right to defend itself. Australia urges the exercise of restraint & protection of civilian lives,” she posted on X.

German Foreign Office also strongly condemned the rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza.

“Hamas is escalating the violence. I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against #Israel from Gaza. Violence & rockets against innocent civilians must stop now. We stand in full solidarity with Israel & its rights under intl. law to defend itself against terror. – FM @ABaerbock,” read a post on the handle of the German Foreign Office on X.

Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib, also condemned the rocket fire on Israeli civilians.

“Belgium strongly condemns the massive rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. Violence and terror only perpetuate suffering and hinder the path to dialogue. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We are monitoring the situation closely,” Lahbib posted on X.

Currently, Israel Defense Forces is targeting “Hamas terrorists” in 14 different locations in towns surrounding the Gaza Strip, according to TPS.

The fights in infiltrated settlements are being carried out from house to house. Reportedly, there are women among the kidnapped and murdered citizens by the Hamas infiltrators, according to TPS. (ANI)

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Palestinian President Abbas

We Have Right To Defend Ourselves Against Terror: Palestinian President Abbas

By LokMarg

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas chaired a high-level meeting with some top defence officials on Saturday and said that the Palestinian people have the right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops”, the official news agency WAFA quoted him as saying.

In the emergency meeting, President Abbas directed officials “to provide protection for the Palestinian people and provide all that is necessary to bolster the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in facing the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation and settler gangs”, WAFA reported.

As per the WAFA news agency, he also gave directions to provide all that is necessary to bolster the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in facing the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation and settler gangs.

According to the latest reports, at least 5 people have been killed and over 100 injured in the Hamas rocket fire.

The centre and south of Israel came under heavy rocket fire for over 3.5 hours on Saturday morning, The Times of Israel reported.

“Israel is in an emergency” and Lapid would back a “harsh military response” to Hamas’s coordinated attack, a statement from the Opposition’s leader’s office said.

Earlier today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that hundreds of rockets fired by Hamas terrorists hit Israel today.

“Citizens of Israel, we are at war. Not an operation not an escalation- at war,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“We are at war and we will win,” he asserted in a video statement according to translation provided by Reuters. “Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known,” he added.

The Israeli PM’s statement followed after rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel

Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers in accordance with the Israel Defence Force’s requirements.

He further announced a “special security situation” in Israel’s Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius of the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post reported, adding that this further enabled the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at “close and relevant sites”.

The daily reported earlier that after a barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, Hamas fighters infiltrated Israel.

Following the attack, red alert warning sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, located around 70 kilometres from the Gaza Strip, as well as, Sde Boker, Arad, and Dimona in the south.

In his first reaction after Hamas launched a “surprise attack”, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said Israel “was at war” and has ordered mobilization of reserves to give it back with the magnitude the enemy has not expected, asserting that they will “win it.”

In a video statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Netanyahu stated, “We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered, first of all, to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists. This currently is being carried out.”

Netanyahu has ordered the mobilization of reserves. He called on people of Israel to adhere to the directives of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Home Front Command.

“At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it,” Netanyahu said. (ANI)

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Hamas Rocket Fire

Mayor Of Israel Town Killed In Hamas Rocket Fire

By LokMarg

The head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, Ofir Liebstein, was killed in the deadly rocket fire from Hamas into Israel on Saturday morning, The Times of Israel reported, citing local sources.

“Ofir was killed when he went to defend a town during the terrorist attack,” the report said, quoting a statement from the Council.

The deputy head of the Council, Yossi Keren, has taken interim charge of the body following Liebstein’s death, The Times of Israel reported.

According to the latest reports, at least 5 people have been killed and over 100 injured in the Hamas rocket fire.

The centre and south of Israel came under heavy rocket fire for over 3.5 hours on Saturday morning, The Times of Israel reported.

Further, Hamas claimed to have kidnapped five Israel Defence Force (IDF) soldiers, The Jerusalem Post reported, adding that the IDF did not confirm the statement.

After the attack, the IDF launched retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip.

However, according to The Jerusalem Post, while the IDF launched retaliatory operations in the Gaza Strip, Israeli action remained minimal even two hours after the rocket attacks started.

Israeli media reported that Hamas currently has 33 prisoners of war, including civilians and soldiers.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that the Security Cabinet would convene around 1pm after assessing the situation, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid is set to meet PM Netanyahu after the security meeting, the report added.

Earlier, Lapid received a security briefing from the Israeli Prime Minister’s military secretary, Avi Gil, following the rocket strikes.

“Israel is in an emergency” and Lapid would back a “harsh military response” to Hamas’s coordinated attack, a statement from the Opposition’s leader’s office said.

Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers in accordance with the IDF’s requirements.

He further announced a “special security situation” in Israel’s Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius of the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post reported, adding that this further enabled the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at “close and relevant sites”.

“Hamas is the ruling entity in the Gaza Strip, responsible for this attack, and will bear the consequences and responsibility for the events,” the IDF said.

At least one rocket directly hit a building in the Gederot Regional Council, killing a woman in her 60s, according to a report. (ANI)

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Iraq Iran

Israel: Death Toll From Hamas Rocket Fire Rises To 4

By LokMarg

The toll in the Hamas rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel climbed to 4 on Saturday, The Times of Israel reported.

The daily reported earlier that after a barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, Hamas fighters infiltrated Israel.

The mayor of Kuseife, Abd al-Aziz Nassara, confirmed the toll, adding that several more have been wounded as the rockets from Gaza rained on the town.

Kuseife, a Bedouin town in southern Israel, is located around 65 kilometres from the Gaza Strip.

According to reports, a woman was killed earlier in the rocket attack and their multiple injuries as well.

Following the attack, red alert warning sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, located around 70 kilometres from the Gaza Strip, as well as, Sde Boker, Arad, and Dimona in the south.

Residents living across these areas heard the massive explosions, according to The Times of Israel.

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Yair Lapid received a security briefing from the Israeli Prime Minister’s military secretary, Avi Gil, following the attack.

“Israel is in an emergency” and Lapid would back a “harsh military response” to Hamas’s coordinated attack, a statement from the Opposition’s leader’s office said.

Apart from the woman, who died of her wounds, the injured included a 52-year-old man from Gederot, who was moderately injured, and a 20-year-old man from Yavne, who also sustained minor injuries. Both victims were transferred to Kaplan Hospital, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The Israel Defense Forces, meanwhile, declared a state of readiness for war following the attack.

“There has been widespread rocket fire into Israeli territory from Gaza, and terrorists have infiltrated Israeli territory through various entry points. Residents in the south and centre of the country are required to be in close proximity to protected areas, and those in the Gaza periphery should remain within a secure space,” the IDF added in its statement.

The IDF said it was carrying out retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The strikes come nearly two hours after Hamas launched a surprise attack, the Israeli daily reported.

The Israel Defense Forces has closed the roads near the Gaza Strip border as Hamas’s rocket fires in Israel, according to The Times of Israel.

The closed roads include, Route 4 from the Zikim junction to Netiv Ha’asara; Route 34 from the Yad Mordechai junction to Nir Am; and Route 232 from Mefalsim to Sa’ad and Nir Yitzhak to Kerem Shalom.

The army said it has also closed all routes used by farmers in the area.

Additionally, the Zikim beach on the Gaza border is also closed off, The Times of Israel reported.

Further, according to the IDF, the trains will not run between Ashkelon and Sderot. (ANI)

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Israel Aviv Attacker

Israel: Tel Aviv Attacker Shot Dead By Officers

By LokMarg

Tel Aviv Police on Friday night shot dead the terrorist who carried out a car-ramming and shooting attack that resulted in the death of one person while injuring six others, reported The Times of Israel (ToI).

According to police, an officer at a nearby gas station heard a commotion after the terrorist rammed into people at Charles Clore Park on the Tel Aviv waterfront.
“The policeman approached the car together with the Tel Aviv municipality inspectors, and identified that the driver was trying to reach for the weapon he had in his possession,” said police, reported ToI.

“The policeman and the inspectors neutralized the driver and killed him,” police added.

Tel Aviv police chief Amichai Eshed says the suspected attacker in a Tel Aviv ramming drove onto a bicycle lane in a “clear” manner and hit a number of people in the pedestrian area.

A car rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park before flipping over, police said.

Police are looking into the attacker’s motives and background, and are searching the area for evidence, Eshed says in a statement to the media.

Eshed said that the area has been closed off, reported ToI.

Eshed warns against misinformation circulating online. Multiple reports say the suspected attacker was from the Israeli town of Kfar Qasem. Channel 12 reports the suspect worked in Tel Aviv, reported ToI.

The Magen David Adom emergency service says all of the victims of today’s terror attack in Tel Aviv are tourists.

Medics have declared the death of a man around the age of 30. Earlier reports said the fatality was an Italian visitor, reported ToI.

The attack came against the backdrop of heightened tensions after Israeli airstrikes on Palestinian terrorist targets in both Lebanon and Gaza, as well as a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank that killed two Israelis. That followed days of violence and unrest in Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City.

Moreover, in a shooting in the northern West Bank on Friday killed two Israeli-British sisters and seriously injured their mother, adding to an already tense atmosphere in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories during a holiday week marred by violence, reported The Washington Post.

The sisters, 21 and 16, lived in Efrat, a settlement just south of Jerusalem, according to a statement from Oded Revivi, the mayor of Efrat. Their mother, who is in her 40s, was injured in the attack, Revivi said in a voice message. They were driving in a car in the Jordan Valley, while the rest of the family drove ahead in a separate car.

The family, which has lived in Efrat for two decades, was on its way to a holiday gathering in the north when the attack occurred, Revivi said.

Police have not yet released the names of the victims. The UK Foreign Office confirmed Friday the sisters held British citizenship, in addition to Israeli, reported The Washington Post.

“We are saddened to hear about the deaths of two British-Israeli citizens and the serious injuries sustained by a third individual,” a spokesperson for the office said in a statement. “The UK calls for all parties across the region to de-escalate tensions.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to catch the attackers – saying it’s “just a matter of time… until we settle the score”.

“Our forces are operating in the field in hot pursuit of the terrorists. It is only a matter of time, and not much time, that we will hold them accountable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russia called for multilateral talks to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reported TASS.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference after talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday said that Moscow is in favor of resuming multilateral negotiations to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which would involve the Quartet on the Middle East and the Arab League.

“We have long been advocating to resume the multilateral process for the Israeli-Palestinian settlement, as there is a universally recognized collective mediator, which is the Quartet comprising Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations,” he said.

“It is in this very framework, with the mandatory involvement of the Arab League, that we can, in practice and with hope for some kind of result, search for agreements that should be based on the principles of the two-state solution, as they are formulated in documents,” added Lavrov.

Lavrov pointed out that the Quartet has not been convened for some time and its meetings are being blocked by the United States, reported TASS. (ANI)

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Israelis Protest Against Bibi Judicial

Israelis Hold Massive Protest Against Bibi Judicial Overhaul

By LokMarg

Half a million Israelis took to the streets in the tenth consecutive week of protests against plans by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu to overhaul the country’s judicial system, organizers claimed, as reported by CNN.

Israel has a population of just over 9 million, so if organizers’ estimates are correct, about 5 percent of Israelis came out to voice their opposition to the proposed reforms.

Nearly half of the protesters, about 240,000, gathered in Tel Aviv, the organizers said. In Jerusalem, several hundred demonstrators gathered in front of President Isaac Herzog’s house. They carried Israeli flags and chanted slogans including “Israel will not be a dictatorship.”

On Thursday, Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, urged the Netanyahu government to take the judicial overhaul legislation off the table, the CNN reported.

CNN reported that the protesters and critics of Netanyahu’s plan say it would weaken the country’s courts and erode the judiciary’s ability to check the power of the country’s other branches of government.

The package of legislation would give Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, the power to overrule Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority. It would also give the government the power to nominate judges, which currently rests with a committee composed of judges, legal experts and politicians.

It would remove power and independence from government ministries’ legal advisers, and take away the power of the courts to invalidate “unreasonable” government appointments, as the High Court did in January, forcing Netanyahu to fire Interior and Health Minister Aryeh Deri.

Critics accuse Netanyahu of pushing the legislation in order to get out of corruption trials he is currently facing. Netanyahu denies that, saying the trials are collapsing on their own, and that the changes are necessary after judicial overreach by unelected judges.

Israel does not have a written constitution, but a set of what are called Basic Laws.

“We are done being polite,” said Shikma Bressler, an Israeli protest leader. “If the laws being suggested will pass, Israel will no longer be a democracy.”

About two out of three (66%) Israelis believe the Supreme Court should have the power to strike down laws incompatible with Israel’s Basic Laws, and about the same proportion (63%) say they support the current system of nominating judges, according to a poll last month for the Israel Democracy Institute.

“The only thing this government cares about is crushing Israeli democracy,” opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid said. (ANI)

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