Israeli Exit Polls: Netanyahu Ahead, But Short of Majority

Jerusalem, Israel (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party has pulled ahead to a significant lead over its opponents in Israel’s third election in under a year, though his ultra-religious and nationalist alliance still appeared to fall short of the parliamentary majority required to form a government. Exit polls on Israeli TV stations showed…

Israel Headed for Clash With ICC Over West Bank Settlements

Jerusalem, Israel (AP) Israel appears to be heading for a showdown with the international community over its half-century-old settlement enterprise in the West Bank. Emboldened by a supportive White House, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to move ahead with the potentially explosive annexation of large parts of the occupied West Bank, including its…

Israeli PM Evacuated From Rally After Rocket Fired From Gaza

Ashkelon, Israel (AP) Israel says a rocket from Gaza has been intercepted over its southern territories. The attack caused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be hustled from a stage during an election rally Wednesday in the city of Ashkelon. There have been no reports of casualties and no Palestinian group has claimed responsibility. The newspaper…

Israeli Parliament Passes Contentious Jewish Nation Bill

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s parliament approved a controversial piece of legislation on Thursday that defines the country as the nation-state of the Jewish people but which critics warn sidelines minorities. The government says the bill, passed in the early morning hours, will merely enshrine into law Israel’s existing character. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called its…