Moody's Warns Israel's That Its A1 Rating Will Be Downgraded Because Of War With Hamas

News: Moody's Considers Downgrading Israel's A1 Rating

Influence: Bearish ⭐⭐⭐
Investment: Investors should be cautious about investing in Israeli stocks due to the potential downgrade of the country's rating.#Moody's #Israel #rating pic.twitter.com/3v5JjyYSMB

— Trends On Stocks (@trendsonstocks) October 19, 2023

CNN: Moody’s warns it could downgrade Israel’s credit rating because of war with Hamas 

Moody’s Investors Service warned Thursday it could downgrade Israel’s credit rating due to the severity of the military conflict with Hamas. 

A downgrade could make it more expensive for Israel to borrow just as the country gears up for what could be a prolonged war. “Israel’s credit profile has proven resilient to terrorist attacks and military conflict in the past,” Moody’s said. 

“However, the severity of the current military conflict raises the possibility of longer lasting and material credit impact.”  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: If it was not for US aid, Israel's credit rating will be in the toilet .... Biden drafts $100 billion foreign aid package, including money for Israel and Ukraine (ABC News). 

Moody's Warns Israel's Its A1 Rating Will Be Downgraded Because Of War With Hamas  

Moody's places Israel's A1 ratings on review for possible downgrade -- Reuters  

Israel's Debt Rating Put On Review for Downgrade at Moody's -- Bloomberg  

Moody's places Israel's A1 ratings on review for downgrade -- Jerusalem Post  

Moody's says Israel's credit rating is 'under review' for possible downgrade due to war -- Times Of Israel  

Moody's Puts Israel's Credit Ratings On Review For Downgrade -- AFP

Israeli Government Passes Law To Limit The Power Of The Supreme Court

 

Axios: Israeli Knesset passes judicial overhaul bill despite mass protests, U.S. pressure 

Israel's parliament on Monday passed the Netanyahu coalition's controversial bill that will significantly limit the Supreme Court's ability to review government decisions, despite mass protests and pressure from the Biden administration to not rush the vote.  

Why it matters: It's the first piece of legislation that is part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul — a plan that has destabilized Israel's economy, military and foreign relations. 

* Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition have for months faced mass anti-government protests over the plan. Thousands of Israeli reservists, including fighter pilots and members of the intelligence, cyber and special operations units in the IDF, warned in recent days they will not report to duty if the bill passed.  

Read more .... 

Israeli Government Passes Law To Limit The Power Of The Supreme Court  

Israeli parliament approves key part of judicial overhaul that has exposed deep fissures in society -- AP  

Israel passes contested curbs on some Supreme Court powers as protest rage -- Reuters 

Israeli parliament approves measure limiting Supreme Court's curbs on government -- France 24  

Israel judicial reform: Key bill becomes law amid mass protests -- BBC  

Israeli parliament votes in Netanyahu’s controversial supreme court changes -- The Guardian 

Israeli government passes law to limit Supreme Court power, defying mass protests -- CNN  

Israeli lawmakers approve key part of judicial overhaul amid massive protests -- The Hill  

Israeli parliament passes divisive law weakening Supreme Court -- Al Jazeera

Israel’s Political Crisis Grows. Over 1,000 Air Reservists Threaten to Stop Serving

 

New York Times: Over 1,000 Air Reservists Threaten to Stop Serving, as Israel’s Political Crisis Grows 

More than a thousand pilots and other personnel in the Israeli Air Force reserve said on Friday that they would stop reporting for duty if the government pushes through a contentious plan next week to reduce judicial power without broader consensus. 

In a joint letter released Friday, 1,142 Air Force reservists — including 235 fighter pilots, 98 transport plane pilots, 89 helicopter pilots and 173 drone operators — said they would not serve if the government proceeded with its plan to reduce the ways in which the Supreme Court can overrule the government.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Israeli government and its allies won a mandate in the last election for election reform. Opponents of the government have a different opinion. Here is an easy prediction. This crisis and how it is splitting Israel is only going to get worse. 

Israel’s Political Crisis Grows. Over 1,000 Air Reservists Threaten to Stop Serving 

Anti-overhaul protesters reach Jerusalem after multi-day march to ‘save democracy’ -- Times of Israel  

Over 1000 IAF reservists to end voluntary reserve service -- Jerusalem Post 

Israel Military Reservists Threaten Over Judicial Revamp -- AFP  

‘We won’t surrender’: Coalition far-right heads reject IAF protest as akin to coup bid -- Times of Israel  

Israel's Netanyahu faces crisis as some military reservists suspend service amid judicial reform protests -- FOX News 

Israeli army faces internal fissures over judicial overhaul as Iran watches -- Al-Monitor

Israel To Buy More F-35s From The U.S.

FILE - An Israeli F-35 lands at Ovda airbase near Eilat, southern Israel, Oct. 24, 2021. Israel will buy 25 F-35s from the U.S., the Israeli Defense Ministry announced, July 2, 2023. 

Times Of Israel: Israel to procure third F-35 squadron, eventually bringing fleet to 75 

Defense minister approves military’s recommendation to purchase additional stealth fighters, in deal estimated at $3 billion from US aid funds 

The Defense Ministry and military on Sunday said Israel would be procuring a third squadron of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets from the United States. 

The additional 25 aircraft would bring the Israeli Air Force’s F-35i fleet to 75 in the coming years. 

 In a joint statement, the Defense Ministry and Israel Defense Forces said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the recommendation proposed by IDF chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi; the director general of the ministry, Eyal Zamir; and chief of the IAF, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, to procure the third F-35i squadron.  

Read more .... 

Israel To Buy More F-35s From The U.S. 

Israel Buying More Fighter Jets From US, Expanding Fleet by 50% -- AP  

Israel to Buy 25 Lockheed Martin F-35 Jets in $3 Billion Deal -- Bloomberg 

Israel to buy 25 more F-35 stealth jets in $3 bln deal -- Reuters  

Israel greenlights purchase of new F-35 squadron from US -- Jerusalem Post 

Israel to buy 25 more F-35 fighter jets in $3bn deal -- Middle East Eye

Is Israel About To Send Merkava Tanks To Ukraine?

IDF Merkava tanks. IDF  

Warzone/The Drive: Israel’s Merkava Tank Has Possible Export Customer In Europe  

Israel is negotiating sales of Merkavas with two countries, including one in Europe, prompting speculation about a possible deal for Ukraine.  

The Israeli government says that it is in very active talks with two countries about what could be the first confirmed international sales of variants of the country's unique Merkava main battle tank. The identities of those nations have not been disclosed, but one of them is in Europe, which has already led to speculation that Merkavas may eventually be bound for Ukraine. 

Yair Kulas, the head of the Israeli Ministry of Defense's International Defense Cooperation Directorate, also known by its Hebrew acronym SIBAT, disclosed the potential foreign Merkava sales in a recent interview with the Calcalist newspaper. SIBAT work includes negotiating the sale of weapon systems and other materiel from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) inventory.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: These concerns are justified .... Israel Worries U.S. Weapons for Ukraine Are Ending Up in Iran's Hands (Newsweek). 

Is Israel About To Send Merkava Tanks To Ukraine? 

In first, Israel plans to sell vaunted Merkava tank to 2 countries, one in Europe -- Times of Israel

Israel Will Sell Its Merkava Tanks For The First Time, Recipient A European Country -- I24NEWS  

Israel plans first-ever sale of flagship tank to European country -- Jerusalem Post  

Israel plans first sale of Merkava tank to European country -- Reuters  

Israel will sell over 200 tanks to European countries – media -- Ukrainian News  

Israel to sell tanks to ‘European country’ -- RT

PM Netanyahu Says Israel Is Prepared For A Multi-Front War With Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen among Israeli security chiefs in a situational assessment during Operation Shield and Arrow, May 9, 2023 © (photo credit: GPO/AVI OHAYON)  

Middle East Monitor: Israel ready to fight Iran on multiple fronts, says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel is ready to fight Iran on multiple fronts. He made his comment after launching Operation Arrow and Shield against the besieged Gaza Strip, killing 15 Palestinians — including women and children — and wounding 22 others. 

 "Ninety-five per cent of Israel's security problems come from Iran," claimed Netanyahu. This was a reference to an alleged Iranian attempt to start a multi-front campaign against Israel. 

The Israeli leader pointed out that Israel will do all it can to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and prevent the government in Tehran from "establishing terror fronts around us."  

Read more .... 

PM Netanyahu Says Israel Is Prepared For A Multi-Front War With Iran 

Netanyahu: Iran seeking 'to open multi-front campaign' against Israel -- Times of Israel  

Netanyahu: We’re ready for broader campaign, severe blows against Gaza -- Jerusalem Post  

Netanyahu: Israel ready for multi-front war against Iran and terror proxies -- JNS  

95% of Israeli regime security problems from Iran: Netanyahu -- MEHR News Agency (Iran)

The Israeli Government Approves The Establishment Of A National Guard

 

The Guardian/Reuters: Israeli government approves far-right minister’s proposal of national guard 

Itamar Ben-Gvir says force will focus on Arab unrest as police chief voices concerns and opposition figures denounce it as ‘militia’ 

Israel’s government has authorised the establishment of a national guard proposed by the far-right security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who said it would focus on Arab unrest, as political rivals accused him of setting up a sectarian “militia”. 

The previous government had begun moves to set up an auxiliary police force to tackle internal political violence after pro-Palestinian protests in mixed Jewish-Arab areas during the Israel-Gaza conflict in May 2021. However, that government ended before the force was finalised.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Not everyone is on board .... Police chief, attorney general sound alarm against forming Ben Gvir’s national guard (Times of Israel). 

The Israeli Government Approves The Establishment Of A National Guard  

Ben-Gvir's National Guard proposal approved by Israeli government -- Jerusalem Post  

Israel advances national guard force for right-wing minister -- AP  

Ministers approve Ben Gvir-led national guard, major budget cuts to fund it -- The Times of Israel

Israel approves 'national guard' sought by far-right security minister -- Middle East Eye  

Israeli cabinet approves Ben-Gvir’s ‘national guard’ plan -- Al Jazeera

Massive Protests Erupt Across Israel After PM Netanyhau Fired His Defense Minister

 

CNN: Mass protests erupt in Israel after Netanyahu fires minister who opposed judicial overhaul 

Jerusalem CNN — Massive crowds filled the streets of the Israeli city of Tel Aviv late Sunday night after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister over his opposition to a planned judicial overhaul. 

Waving Israeli flags and chanting “democratia,” protestors could be seen blocking streets and bridges, including the Ayalon Highway. Protesters lit several fires on the main highway in Tel Aviv, their acrid, black smoke billowing into the sky, partly obscuring some of the city’s iconic skyscrapers. 

Demonstrators also gathered beside the highway, burning scrap metal and wood with almost no police around.  

Read more .... 

Massive Protests Erupt Across Israel After PM Netanyhau Fired His Defense Minister  

Firing his defense minister, Netanyahu lifts public anger at his rule to new heights -- Times of Israel  

Mass protests erupt after Netanyahu fires defense chief -- AP 

Israel's Netanyahu sacks defence minister after call to suspend judicial reforms -- France 24  

Netanyahu sacks defence minister, sparking mass protests, article with video -- Reuters 

Mass Israel protests after Netanyahu fires defence minister -- BBC  

Israel: Netanyahu fires defense minister, protests ensue -- DW  

Netanyahu fires defense minister, sparking mass protests in Israel -- Politico  

Mass protests in Israel after Netanyahu fires defence minister -- Al Jazeera  

US "Strongly Urges" Compromise As Massive Protests Erupt Across Israel After Anti-Judicial-Reform Minister Fired -- Zero Hedge

Israel Air Force Chief Removes Reservist Colonel Due To Judicial Protest Role

Israeli Air Force pilots throw their caps in the air during a graduation ceremony at the Hatzerim air force base, December 28, 2022. (Haim Zach/GPO)  

Times Of Israel: Air Force chief removes reservist pilot for urging refusal over judicial shakeup 

 Col. Gilad Peled gave media interviews about concerns in IAF about government’s planned moves; military statement cites ‘inappropriate’ conduct ‘contrary to guidance’ of IAF chief 

The chief of the Israeli Air Force on Thursday removed from his post a reservist fighter pilot who has been leading calls for to refuse to show up for duty over the government’s legislative proposals to radically weaken the judiciary. The move was first reported by Channel 12’s investigative show “Uvda.” 

The Israel Defense Forces said the reservist officer, Col. Gilad Peled was suspended indefinitely over his “conduct around the current events.” Peled, the former commander of the Ramat David Airbase, gave interviews with Channel 13 news and the Kan public broadcaster over the past week on reservist concerns over the judicial overhaul. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I am not surprised that this reservist Colonel was removed. I am surprised that it took this long. 

Israel Air Force Chief Removes Reservist Colonel Due To judicial Protest Role  

Israeli Reservist Colonel Dismissed Over Judicial Reform Protest -- Reuters  

Air force officer suspended for organizing strikes against judicial reform -- Jerusalem Post 

Israeli Air Force pilot removed from position due to protest role -- All Israel News  

Protests over Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan rock Israeli military -- Axios

Mutiny In The Israeli Air Force To Protest Netanyahu's Judicial Overhaul

Protests against the proposed reforms have increased in recent weeks. (Reuters Archive) 

Business Insider: Elite Israeli reserve fighter pilots and intelligence officers boycott training to protest against Netanyahu's right-wing government 

* Reserve pilots in a top Israeli air force squadron are boycotting training in an anti-government protest. 

 * Reservists in one of Israel's elite intelligence units are also striking. 

* Hundreds of thousands have been protesting a controversial overhaul of the legal system for two months. 

Most reservists in a top Israeli air force squadron are boycotting training in protest of the government's controversial judicial overhaul. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning to overhaul the legal system and is pushing forward despite mass protests claiming the move undermines liberal democracy. 

Thirty-seven of the 40 reserve pilots in Israeli Air Force's 69th Squadron joined the protests by refusing to attend pre-scheduled training this week, the Jerusalem Post reports.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The IDF chief is trying to end these protests .... IDF chief to meet pilots, officers as judicial overhaul protests roil military (Times of Israel). 

 Mutiny In The Israeli Air Force To Protest Netanyahu's Judicial Overhaul  

IDF reserve fighter pilots refuse to attend training in protest of judicial overhaul -- Jerusalem Post

Israel air force reservists to skip training in Netanyahu protest -- Al Jazeera  

Netanyahu warns soldiers refusing to serve threatening Israel’s existence -- Times of Israel  

Israel air force reservists refuse to train in protest against judicial reforms -- Middle East Eye  

Strike Eagles on strike: IAF F-15 pilots join protest against judicial reform -- Aero Time

Israel Exports Crude Oil For The First Time

Energean's floating production system (FPSO) at the Karish gas field in the Mediterranean Sea. (Energean) 

Times of Israel: Israel exports crude oil for first time, with shipment heading for Europe  

Country joins ‘club of international oil exporters’ with first cargo load of hydrocarbon liquids extracted from offshore Karish natural gas field 

Israel has exported crude oil material for the first time, with a shipment headed to Europe from the country’s offshore Karish gas field, according to an announcement Tuesday by Greek gas company Energean. 

The London- and Tel Aviv-listed firm is in charge of production at the Karish and Tanin natural gas fields in Israel’s economic waters in the Mediterranean. 

In a statement Tuesday, Energean said “the first ever lifting of an Israeli crude oil cargo has taken place at the company’s Karish field,” and a cargo ship of hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGLs) extracted from natural gas (and then used in a mixture to make crude oil) was exported to global markets “for the first time in the history of Israeli oil and gas production.”  

Read more .... 

Israel Exports Crude Oil For The First Time  

Israel exports oil for the first time ever after diplomatic breakthrough with Lebanon -- Business Insider  

Israel loads first crude oil shipment from contested oil field -- Middle East Monitor  

Energean exports first hydrocarbon liquids from Israeli gas fields -- Jerusalem Post  

Explainer: Israel is now an oil exporter with Energean deal, how significant? -- Al-Monitor

Israel Was Condemned By The UN More Than All Other Countries Combined In 2022

Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan attends a meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee at UN headquarters on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. (AP/Jeenah Moon)  

Times of Israel: UN condemned Israel more than all other countries combined in 2022 — monitor  

General Assembly resolution backing ICJ probe capped year that saw 15 anti-Israel measures, compared to 13 against rest of world, reinforcing claims of bias at Turtle Bay 

NEW YORK — The United Nations General Assembly passed more resolutions critical of Israel than against all other nations combined in 2022, contributing to what observers call an ongoing lopsided focus on the Jewish state at the world body. 

The General Assembly approved 15 anti-Israel resolutions last year, versus 13 resolutions criticizing other countries, according to a tally by the pro-Israel monitoring group UN Watch. 

Russia was the focus of six resolutions condemning its invasion of Ukraine. North Korea, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Syria, Iran and the US were hit with one resolution each.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The General Assembly approved 15 anti-Israel resolutions last year.

Benjamin Netanyahu Sworn In As Israel's Prime Minister

 

Times of Israel: Netanyahu returns as PM, wins Knesset support for Israel’s most hardline government 

Incoming coalition has pledged to hobble the High Court, consider West Bank annexation, and further centralize Orthodox control over state Jewish services 

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swore in Israel’s 37th government on Thursday, promising that his right-religious coalition will deliver political stability after five bumpy back-to-back elections since 2019. 

Confidence in the government was confirmed by 63 of the 64 coalition members, constituting a relatively solid and cohesive majority in the 120-seat Knesset.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The pundits are predicting troubles .... As Israel's Netanyahu Returns to Office, Troubles Lie Ahead (Politico). 

As to what is my take. The coalition looks solid, but their policies are going to unleash a backlash from everyone else. 

 Benjamin Netanyahu Sworn In As Israel's Prime Minister  

Israel swears in Netanyahu as PM of hard-line government -- AP  

Netanyahu sworn in as prime minister of right-wing Israeli government -- France 24 

Israel's Netanyahu returns with hard-right cabinet set to expand settlements -- Reuters  

Benjamin Netanyahu sworn in as leader of Israel’s likely most right-wing government ever -- CNN  

Benjamin Netanyahu returns as PM of Israel’s most far-right gov’t -- Al Jazeera 

Factbox-Top ministers in Israel's new religious-nationalist cabinet -- Reuters

New Netanyahu Government Vows To Make West Bank Settlement Expansion Its Priority

Incoming prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset on December 28, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)  

The Guardian/AP: Netanyahu government makes West Bank settlement expansion its priority 

Hardline coalition vows to legalise dozens of illegally built outposts and annex the occupied territory 

Benjamin Netanyahu’s incoming hardline government put West Bank settlement expansion at the top of its list of priorities on Wednesday, vowing to legalise dozens of illegally built outposts and annex the occupied territory as part of its coalition deal with its ultranational allies. 

The coalition agreements, released a day before the government is to be sworn into office, also included language endorsing discrimination against LGBTQ+ people on religious grounds, as well as generous stipends for ultra-Orthodox men who prefer to study instead of work. 

 Read more .... 

New Netanyahu Government Vows To Make West Bank Settlement Expansion Its Priority  

Israel's new gov't pledges to promote West Bank annexation policies -- Jerusalem Post 

Israel: New Netanyahu government vows to expand settlements -- DW 

Israel's new government to promote West Bank annexation -- UPI  

Netanyahu gov’t says West Bank settlement expansion top priority -- Al Jazeera  

Israeli vow to annex West Bank -- Arab News

Benjamin Netanyahu Says He Has Succeeded In Putting Together A Coalition To Run The Government

Netanyahu announces new government with sweeping powers to far-right allies  

Washington Post: Netanyahu announces new government with sweeping powers to far-right allies 

TEL AVIV — Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu announced the formation of the most far-right government in the country’s history Wednesday night, marking the imminent return of its longest-serving leader and granting an unprecedented portion of power to his far-right and ultra-Orthodox allies, who have vowed to make far-reaching legislative changes in the country. 

Netanyahu said the new coalition, which includes once-fringe ultranationalist and ultrareligious parties, would serve “all citizens of Israel.” He has said that he aims to swear in the new government in the coming week. 

ost of the agreements, made after 1½ months of marathon negotiations between Netanyahu and his six coalition partners, have not been finalized. But the new government has already sparked concern among Israelis and members of the international community over bills that seek to prioritize Israel’s Jewish character over its democratic one.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: ‘I’ve done it’: Netanyahu announces his 6th government, Israel’s most hardline ever (Times of Israel)  

Update #2: Netanyahu informs Israeli president he has formed government (CNN)  

WNU Editor: Just when you think Benjamin Netanyahu's political is over, he storms back stronger than ever.

Israeli National Intel Assessment Says World Order On Verge Of Cliff

Jerusalem Post: World order on verge of cliff - first Israeli national intel assessment 

The Intelligence Ministry on Monday unveiled the country’s first-ever national intelligence estimate report on Monday. 

The world is at a transition point analogous to being on the verge of a cliff, after which a series of crises striking simultaneously will reorder the planet’s geopolitics, the place of technology, the economic order and a variety of other disciplines from health to energy, according to Israel's first government national intelligence estimate. 

The report was published by the Intelligence Ministry in the vein of the type of reports issued in the United States and other Western countries. 

A copy was obtained by The Jerusalem Post. 

According to the report, the world is at on the verge of a cliff and is likely to be struck by a variety of crises affecting all aspects of life.   

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The World Order that we have gotten accustom to since the fall of the Soviet Union is over. A fact that this Israeli national intelligence assessment has realized.

Will A Netanyahu Government Interfere In The Military

DNYUZ/New York Times: Concern Grows in Israel’s Military as Netanyahu Nears Coalition Deal 

JERUSALEM — When a serving Israeli soldier expressed his approval last month of a far-right politician who is set to become a minister in Benjamin Netanyahu’s likely new coalition government, it set off a national furor. 

The politician, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was deemed too extremist to serve in the army himself. Until 2020, he displayed in his home a portrait of a Jewish gunman who in 1994 shot dead 29 Palestinians inside a mosque. 

The Israeli military’s chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, quickly released a rare public letter warning soldiers against getting involved in politics, while the soldier was sent to military jail for several days. 

“Soldiers are prohibited from expressing political views,” General Kochavi wrote. “They are certainly prohibited from behaving and acting out of political inclination,” he added.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Israeli politics is always in turmoil.

Terror Attacks In Jerusalem Kill One And Wounding At Least 18

 

France 24: Blasts rip two bus stops near Jerusalem, killing at least one and wounding several 

Two explosions at two bus stops near entrances to Jerusalem on Wednesday morning killed one person and wounded at least 15 people, according to Israeli officials. The blasts came hours after Israeli forces killed a Palestinian teenager in the West Bank, according to Palestinian health officials. 

The first explosion near the central bus station close to the main entrance of Jerusalem in Givat Shaul killed a man and wounded 11 people. Minutes later, a second blast at another entrance to Jerusalem injured at least three people, according to Israeli media. Israeli police said the two blasts appear to be a Palestinian attack and are related.  

Read more .... 

Terror Attacks In Jerusalem Kill One And Wounding At Least 18

Twin blasts shake Jerusalem, killing teen and wounding 18 --AP  

Jerusalem bombings: Teenager killed in rare twin attacks at bus stops -- BBC  

Explosions at Jerusalem bus stops kill one, injure several -- DW  

Two explosions hit bus stops in Jerusalem during peak hour, killing one person and injuring at least 18 -- ABC News Australia

Israeli Prime Minister Lapid Concedes The Election To Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

 

FOX News: Israeli PM Lapid concedes election to Netanyahu 

This will be Netanyahu's third stint as prime minister Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid has conceded the election, recognizing former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as his successor, Lapid's office confirmed to Fox News. 

According to a statement from his office, Lapid has already called Netanyahu to congratulate him. 

Lapid told Netanyahu that he instructed his office to make arrangements for the transition of power. "The state of Israel comes before any political consideration," Lapid said. 

"I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the State of Israel."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Everything favored Netanyahu in this election .... Netanyahu won 8-seat majority over his opponents despite near-parity in raw votes (Times of Israel). 

Israeli Prime Minister Lapid Concedes The Election To Netanyahu  

Conceding defeat, Lapid wishes Netanyahu luck ‘for the sake of the Israeli people’ -- Times of Israel  

Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu makes comeback as PM Lapid concedes defeat -- CNBC/NBC 

Israel Prime Minister Yair Lapid congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu on election victory -- CNN  

Netanyahu will return to power in Israel, form far-right government -- The Hill

Israel's Lapid congratulates Netanyahu on election win -- Axios

Netanyahu Is Declaring Victory In Israeli Elections

 

BBC: Israel elections: Netanyahu set for comeback with far right's help - partial results 

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the brink of a dramatic comeback, after partial results showed he was on course to win a majority in parliament with the far right's help. 

With 86% of votes from the general election counted, Mr Netanyahu's bloc is set to win 65 out of 120 seats. "We are close to a big victory," he told jubilant supporters in Jerusalem. 

However, he will be dependent on the support of the ultra-nationalist Religious Zionism party.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Winning anywhere from 65 to 69 out of 120 seats is a definite big win for Netanyahu's coalition. 

Netanyahu Is Declaring Victory In Israeli Elections 

Israel’s Netanyahu appears to edge toward victory after vote -- AP  

Netanyahu on cusp of election victory with far-right allies -- France 24 

Netanyahu's party set to win most seats in Israel election -- DW  

Benjamin Netanyahu thanks voters as exit poll puts him ahead in Israel election -- The Guardian  

Four key takeaways from Israel’s parliamentary elections -- Al Jazeera