Israel

Israel opposes Biden plan to reopen U.S. Palestinian mission in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Israel said on Wednesday that a U.S. plan to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem that has traditionally been a base for diplomatic outreach to Palestinians is a "bad idea" and could destabilise Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's new government.

The prior administration of President Donald Trump signalled support for Israel's claim on Jerusalem as its capital by moving the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv and subsuming the consulate in that mission.

Israel court refuses to release Palestinian woman set to give birth

31 Aug 2021; MEMO: Palestinian media reported yesterday that an Israeli court rejecting the release of a Palestinian woman who is nine months pregnant and due to give birth in detention.

Twenty-five-year-old Al-Deek from the Kafr Ni'ma town west of Ramallah, who has two children, was detained when she was four months pregnant.

Israeli PM moves to play down defence chief's talks with Palestinian leader

JERUSALEM, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sought on Monday to play down any notion of a move towards renewed peace negotiations with the Palestinians after the highest-level Israeli-Palestinian meeting in years.

Hours after Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met, the main Israeli media outlets quoted "a source close to the prime minister" as saying: "There is no diplomatic process with the Palestinians, nor will there be one."

Israel rabbis ask pope to clarify remarks on Jewish law

26 Aug 2021; MEMO: Israel's top Jewish religious authorities have told the Vatican they are concerned about comments that Pope Francis made about their books of sacred law and have asked for a clarification.

In a letter seen by Reuters, Rabbi Rasson Arousi, chair of the Commission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel for Dialogue with the Holy See, said the comments appeared to suggest Jewish law was obsolete.

Vatican authorities said they were studying the letter and were considering a response.

Israel to allow goods into Gaza in move to ease tensions

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said that it would be easing commercial restrictions on the Gaza Strip and expand entry of goods to the Palestinian enclave following days of heightened tensions.

The announcement came after hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated Wednesday near the Israeli border, calling on Israel to ease a crippling blockade days after a similar gathering ended in deadly clashes with the Israeli army.

Israel: Arab lawmaker dies from heart attack

25 Aug 2021; MEMO: An Arab Israeli lawmaker died from a heart attack in southern Israel today, according to a statement by his party.

Said Al-Harumi, 49, from the Ra'am Party, was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack but he was pronounced dead, local media outlets reported.

"May God have mercy on Said and guide him in peace. We extend our condolences to Said's family and the people of the Negev," the party said in a statement.

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