World News Briefs -- February 2, 2015

CNN: Netanyahu: Israel-U.S. 'friendship will weather the current disagreement'

Washington (CNN)Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a conciliatory tone Monday, reaffirming the U.S.-Israeli relationship remains strong and, despite controversy surrounding his Tuesday address to Congress, said the two nations "will weather this current disagreement."

"Our friendship will weather the current disagreement as well, to grow even stronger in the future — because we share the same dreams...because the values that unite us are much stronger than the differences that divide us," he said in his address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee annual policy conference, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

MIDDLE EAST

Netanyahu says Iran deal threatens Israel's security. Netanyahu: Iran nuclear deal threatens Israel's security.

Iraq moves against Islamic State in Tikrit. Iraq army and Shi'ite militias launch attacks north of Baghdad.

EXCLUSIVE: Iran offers safekeeping for Iraq’s ancient relics from ISIL.

Iran's Guards increase monitoring of social media: state TV.

Turkey, Kurds announce landmark deal for peace.

Kerry cautions Israel not to undercut Iran diplomacy as talks resume.

Iran says nuclear deal hinges on U.S. will to lift sanctions.

Kerry says 'long way to go' to reach Iran nuclear deal.

IAEA head says cannot say when investigation into Iran's nuclear work will end. U.N. nuclear watchdog says pace of Iran's cooperation slow.

New Saudi king meets Turkey leader amid thaw in relations.

ASIA

N. Korea launches two missiles as U.S., South Korea begin military exercises.

North Korea calls on military to ‘prepare for war’ with United States and its allies.

Roadside bombs kill 8 civilians in Afghanistan.

Philippine army seizes Muslim rebel bomb factory as peace plan flounders.

China parliament to juggle reform drive and slower growth.

Chinese political advisor warns of Japan's military expansion.

China state media seen stepping-up anti-Western rhetoric.

Tajik leader's party ahead in election, Western monitors cry foul.

Prince William meets Chinese President Xi Jinping.

AFRICA

Congo says kills rebels, gains ground in drive to crush insurgency.

Nigeria: Troops will maintain momentum against Boko Haram - - Jonathan. Boko Haram kills 124 in one week.

Police and civilians wounded in Cairo bomb blast.

Libya's Haftar appointed army chief for recognized government.

Mali northern rebels demand more time over peace accord.

Many South Sudan boys 'kidnapped to be child soldiers.

Outgoing Namibian president wins $5 million Africa leadership prize.

EUROPE

Death toll in eastern Ukraine passes 6,000, UN says.

Ukraine economy: MPs to vote on controversial reforms.

Without Mariupol Ukraine will lose currency receipts.

Ukraine says Russia continues to violate winter gas agreement.

Kerry meets Lavrov for Ukraine talks in Geneva.

30,000 marchers in Moscow mourn slain Putin foe.

Spain: 3rd bailout for Greece being mulled for up to $56B.

Estonia's ruling pro-Western Reform Party wins election.

Norway strikes deal to send prisoners to Netherlands over jail shortage.

Vatican on alert for Islamist attack, but no plot: security chief.

AMERICAS

U.S. stocks extend rally, dollar touches 11-year high.

Venezuela’s Maduro steps up coup claim as Americans detained.

Argentine President Fernandez defends economic policy.

Fidel Castro finally meets the Cuban Five, spies turned heroes.

Ex-Guantanamo detainees struggle in Uruguay.

Two men arrested in separate White House breaches... hours after new Secret Service director vowed to improve 'failing' security.

Leonard Nimoy's funeral held in LA.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State and its increasingly sophisticated cinema of terror.

Winning: ISIL carries out a purge.

Isis threatens Twitter employees over blocked accounts.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Bill Gates is named world's richest person again.

Record 290 newcomers join Forbes billionaires list, including Michael Jordan.

Nasdaq hits 5,000 as broad market rallies.

Ikea unveils phone-charging furniture at MWC.