Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to dismiss Shin Bet head Ronen Bar due to a lack of trust, sparking a political dispute as Bar accused Netanyahu of seeking “personal loyalty.” The move comes amid tensions over agency reforms and an investigation into Netanyahu’s aides receiving payments from Qatar during the Gaza war. Bar refuted claims that his dismissal was related to the agency’s failure to prevent a Hamas attack, emphasizing the need for a broader probe to understand the incident. Opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced Netanyahu’s decision as an attempt to hinder a criminal investigation, vowing to challenge the move through legal means.
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9 EU countries urge European Commission to examine trade ties with illegal Israeli settlements – Middle East Monitor
Nine EU countries, led by Belgium, have urged the European Commission to evaluate the legality of trade linked to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, following an International Court of Justice opinion advising against such activities. Belgium's Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of aligning trade practices with international law to reflect European values and responsibilities. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Nine countries in Europe are asking for help to make sure that buying...
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