World News Briefs -- February 18, 2018

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (R) and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attend a meeting with Muslim leaders and scholars in Hyderabad, India, February 15, 2018. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Reuters: Iran's Zarif says Israel's "myth of invincibility" has crumbled

MUNICH (Reuters) - Iran’s foreign minister said on Sunday the shooting down of an Israeli jet after it bombed an Iranian site in Syria had shattered Israel’s “so-called invincibility”, reacting to a critical speech delivered earlier by Israel’s premier.

“Israel uses aggression as a policy against its neighbors,” Mohammad Javad Zarif told the Munich Security Conference, accusing Israel of “mass reprisals against its neighbors and daily incursions into Syria, Lebanon.”

“Once the Syrians have the guts to down one of its planes it’s as if a disaster has happened,” Zarif said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israeli jets and tanks strike Gaza after bomb injures soldiers. 2 Gazans killed in Israeli airstrike after bomb injures 4 Israeli soldiers.

Israel's Netanyahu attacks 'dangerous Iranian tiger'.

Syria forces ready for assault on rebel enclave.

Syrian Kurdish official: deal for Syrian army to enter Afrin.

Tillerson: Kurds never got heavy weapons from US.

Turkey denies allegation of chemical attack in Syria.

Iran, Syria, Iraq to block US influence in Kurdish regions: Iranian Official.

With ISIS defeated, Iraqi prime minister vows to end sectarian politics as elections loom.

Clashes leave 27 dead as Yemen troops target Al-Qaeda.

Exclusive: For now, U.S. wants Europeans just to commit to improve Iran deal.

Plane crashes in Iran's Zagros Mountains with 66 on board.

Israel rebukes Poland PM for 'Jewish perpetrators' remark.

ASIA

S. Korea's Moon says 'too early' for Pyongyang summit.

Anticipation for inter-Korean talks, U.S.-North Korea dialogue builds.

Tillerson to N.Korea on talks: 'I'm listening'.

North Korea likely to seek weakening of global sanctions amid fuel crisis.

Philippines seethes over Chinese build-up in South China Sea.

India, Iran agree to step up efforts to help Afghanistan.

Second Afghan governor defies President Ghani.

‘Dangerous to advocate confrontation’: China’s US envoy.

Kiwis consider foreign house buyer ban.

Ship crew in southern Philippines sea repels pirates using oil and boiling water.

AFRICA

Nigeria: three suicide bombers kill at least 20 people at market.

Nigeria frees 475 Boko Haram suspects for lack of evidence.

Ethiopia says emergency rule to last six months.

Libyans mark 7 years since protests that ousted Kadhafi.

Ramaphosa set to purge cabinet of Zuma cronies in war on corruption.

S. Africa widens hunt for Zuma allies to India, China.

Zimbabwe opposition leader: Morgan Tsvangirai mourned in Harare.

EUROPE

Moscow calls US vote meddling claims 'blabber', 'fantasies'.

Grieving Russian families demand answers after 'dozens' of Putin's secret mercenaries are killed in deadliest US-Russia battle since the Cold War.

Orbán claims Hungary is last bastion against 'Islamisation' of Europe.

Estonia calls for EU to spend more for defense in border states.

Thousands march in Kiev calling for Ukraine's president to quit.

US Senator Graham to Russia on Ukraine: 'You’re going to get what you deserve'.

Leading SPD mayors back coalition with Merkel, poll shows.

Latvia's central bank head Ilmars Rimsevics detained in corruption probe.

Russia church shooting leaves 5 dead after gunman opens fire on people leaving service.

Pope Francis reactivates sexual abuse advisory panel.

AMERICAS

Stunned by massacre, U.S. students demand tighter gun controls.

Trump slams FBI over school shooting, says preoccupied with Russia probe.

Trump says Russia succeeding in sowing US discord.

Trump faces calls to act against Russia after Mueller's indictments .

Republicans in Congress get embattled Kelly's back.

Report details harm to Cuba diplomats but offers no cause.

Mexico's leftist and ruling parties declare presidential picks.

Trudeau, with family in tow, visits India's famed Taj Mahal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo trial of Cole bombing suspect halted.

Drone kills two Qaeda suspects as Yemen troops launch assault.

Al Qaeda 'warrior' gets life for killing 2 US soldiers in Afghanistan.

Iraq: German 'Islamic State' bride sentenced to 6 years in prison.

Battle to free Mosul of IS 'intellectual terrorism'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stock volatility: back with a bang and here to stay.

Billion dollar diamond fraud case puts India's state banks in focus.

After stunning growth streak, Amazon ambitions seem boundless.

China warns of retaliation if U.S. imposes steel, aluminum tariffs.