Netanyahu: Israel seeks peace with Palestinians, world alliance against Iranian nuclear threatUNITED NATIONS — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he wants to make peace with the Palestinians and hopes the world will rally against the Iranian nuclear threat. Israel reserves right to use any means to stop Iran, US vows tougher sanctions if talks failJERUSALEM — Israel insisted Monday it will do whatever it must to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, even as the visiting U.S. defense chief promised tougher international sanctions if Tehran spurns an offer of talks. Israeli premier Netanyahu accepts creation of ‘disarmed’ Palestinian state for the 1st timeJERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday called for creation of a limited Palestinian state for the first time, saying it would have to be disarmed. Israel: No decision on divided town until after Lebanon electionJERUSALEM — Israel is suspending discussion of a possible withdrawal from the Lebanese side of a divided border town, fearing the Hezbollah guerrilla group will take control, an Israeli official said Wednesday. In cradle of Christianity, Pope endorses Palestinian homeland and empathizes with sufferingBETHLEHEM, West Bank — Standing in the cradle of Christianity, Pope Benedict XVI told Palestinians on Wednesday he understands their suffering and offered the Vatican’s strongest and most symbolic public backing yet for an independent Palestinian homeland. Pope endorses Palestinian quest for homelandBETHLEHEM, West Bank — Pope Benedict XVI, standing in the cradle of Christianity, told Palestinians Wednesday that he supports their quest for a sovereign homeland, offering his strongest public support yet for an independent Palestinian state. Pope Benedict XVI calls for Palestinian homeland, acknowledges Palestinian sufferingBETHLEHEM, West Bank — Pope Benedict XVI told Palestinians on Wednesday he understands their suffering and supports their quest for a sovereign homeland, standing in the cradle of Christianity and offering his strongest public support yet for an independent Palestinian state. Pope kicks off trip to Israel, Palestinian areas in bid to improve interfaith relationsTEL AVIV, Israel — Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Israel on an emotion-charged visit to the Holy Land hoping to improve relations with Jews and Muslims. US-born academic, media commentator Michael Oren named Israeli ambassador to WashingtonJERUSALEM — Michael Oren, a U.S.-born academic who frequently appears as a media commentator on Mideast affairs, has been picked as Israel’s next ambassador to Washington, a government official said Saturday. US, European allies ready to drop key demands for talks with IranWASHINGTON - The United States and its European allies are ready to drop a longstanding American demand that Tehran rapidly shut down nuclear facilities during the early phases of negotiations over its atomic programme. US to work with new Israeli government towards Mideast peaceWASHINGTON - The US remains optimistic about achieving peace in the Middle East, regardless of what Israeli government coalition emerges from elections held this month, the State Department said Friday. I’m ready for a grand coalition, says NetanyahuJERUSALEM - The head of the right-wing Likud party, Benjamin Netanyahu, said Friday he was ready to form a coalition in Israel with the centrist Kadima party of his main rival Tzipi Livni. Coalition options wide open after Israeli electionTEL AVIV - The only certainty to emerge from exit polls and the first official results in Tuesday’s Israeli election is that nothing is certain. |