Israel - Channel 5 Belize

Netanyahu Condemns ‘Malicious Lies’ in US Congress Speech

In a 52-minute address to the US Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised the importance of US-Israel solidarity amidst the escalating war in Gaza while issuing a warning against rising antisemitism.

Netanyahu’s speech was largely what experts and U.S. officials expected: an effort to deflect criticism of Israel by framing its war as an existential battle for its survival in an effort to maintain bipartisan U.S. support. “For the forces of civilisation to triumph, America and Israel must stand together. Because when we stand together, something very simple happens: We win, they lose.” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu asserted, “The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled. Israel will always defend itself.” The Israeli PM made no mention of ongoing ceasefire negotiations despite international pressures for progress. However, while expressing gratitude for bipartisan support in the US, he said, “As we defend ourselves on all fronts, I know that America has our back, and I thank you for it—all sides of the aisle.”

Addressing antisemitism, Netanyahu condemned what he termed as ‘malicious lies’ aimed at delegitimizing Israel and demonising Jews worldwide. “Antisemitism is the world’s oldest hatred,” he asserted. “Just as malicious lies were levelled for centuries at the Jewish people, malicious lies are now being levelled at the Jewish state. The outrageous slanders that paint Israel as racist and genocidal are meant to delegitimize Israel, to demonise the Jewish state, and to demonise Jews everywhere.”

BREAKING: Hamas says it accepts ceasefire proposal

Hamas has approved a proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza war put forward by mediators Qatar and Egypt, the Palestinian group says, although Israel has yet to comment on the proposal.

The announcement follows a mass exodus from eastern Rafah as Israel instructs tens of thousands to evacuate. Specifics of the proposal remain unclear.

The statement was issued as residents of southern Gaza’s Rafah began fleeing in response to Israel’s evacuation orders amid escalating fears of a significant military operation. Over 1.4 million displaced Palestinians seek refuge in the region.

Israel and Hamas have engaged in indirect negotiations facilitated by Qatar and Egypt regarding a potential Gaza war ceasefire and the exchange of captives. Egyptian and Hamas officials have suggested a multi-stage ceasefire involving the release of Israeli captives by Hamas in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza.

It remained uncertain whether the agreement would meet Hamas’ main demands, including a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of displaced families to their homes.

Will the International Criminal Court Issue Arrest Warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister?

Israel has expressed concerns over potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) targeting government officials for actions during its conflict with Hamas. The ICC is investigating Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza.

In response to reports that the ICC may issue warrants against senior Israeli officials, Foreign Minister Israel Katz urged Israeli embassies to enhance security due to the risk of increased antisemitism. Katz emphasized Israel’s expectation that the ICC refrain from targeting its political and security leaders. He said that Israel is determined to resist any such actions.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that ICC decisions would not impact Israel’s policies but could establish a dangerous precedent. Israeli officials fear potential arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others over alleged violations in Gaza. The ICC is also reportedly considering warrants for Hamas leaders.

Israel, not a member of the ICC, disputes its jurisdiction, but Palestinian territories were admitted as a member state in 2015. The U.S., an ally of Israel and not an ICC member, does not support the investigation.

Israel Attacks Iran

Israel conducted a military strike inside Iran. This marks a potentially hazardous escalation in the rapidly evolving conflict across the Middle East. Iranian state media said that the country’s air defense systems were activated in Isfahan and Tabriz following three explosions near a major military airbase close to Isfahan.

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran’s army commander-in-chief, attributed the explosions above Isfahan to anti-aircraft systems engaging a suspicious object, without causing damage. Other Iranian sources mentioned the interception of three drones by air defenses, with no reports of a missile strike.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed later that the US was not involved in any offensive operations but was focused on Israel’s defense and de-escalation efforts.

*Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran on Sunday. Tomer Neuberg / AP April 13, 2024*

Tensions in the Middle East have remained high since Iran’s unprecedented direct strike against Israel on Saturday, which saw Iran launch over 300 drones and cruise missiles towards Israel in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Damascus earlier in April.

The Western allies of Israel have voiced support for Israel while also calling for restraint in the wake of Iran’s attack on Saturday.

Will Iran’s Attack Lead to Higher Fuel Prices?

Increased tensions in the Middle East may lead to higher fuel prices. Experts are expecting that Iran’s recent attack on Israel will potentially cause fuel prices to soar and disrupt global supplies if the conflict escalates further. Israel’s war cabinet has assessed military strategies for possible retaliation against Iran. Israel has declared its intent to retaliate and “exact a price” following the unprecedented drone and missile assault.

While oil prices initially surged in anticipation of such an escalation, they later stabilised. The International Energy Agency says that the escalating conflict underscores the vulnerability of oil markets. The recent attack by Iran also raises concerns about potential disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This is a critical passage for the global oil trade. Any significant disruption could have a profound impact on oil supplies and prices worldwide.

Strait of Hormuz/ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION

While the conflict presents risks to oil markets, factors such as production from non-OPEC+ countries may offer some relief in mitigating these impacts in the short term.

Oil prices have surged alongside escalating tensions in the Middle East this month. U.S. benchmark crude futures rose by 5%, while global benchmark Brent crude gained nearly 6%. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical factor.” Iran’s ability to block the Strait of Hormuz is its secret weapon. The Strait serves as the world’s most important oil-transit chokepoint. Global oil inventories are already low, and any disruption to supplies could further deplete them, leading to higher oil prices.

Iran Attacks Israel

Israel’s war cabinet is expected to reconvene soon to discuss actions in response to Iran’s attack.

Overnight on Sunday, a barrage of drones and missiles surged towards Israel, increasing tensions in the Middle East. The assault, launched by Iran, was in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus earlier this month. Several Iranian generals were killed in that attack.

Iran and its allies from Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon launched approximately 350 rockets, comprising over 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles. The majority of these were intercepted, with minimal impact on Israeli territory, as reported by Israeli military sources and the White House.

The unprecedented attack marked a significant escalation in the region.

Israel continues to face pressure from its allies to refrain from escalating towards open warfare and instead pursue a path of de-escalation.

UN Security Council passes resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire

Belize is welcoming the UNSC’s approval of an urgent resolution in Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the removal of all barriers to humanitarian aid. Belize reiterated its position that the achievement of a two-state solution is the only path to sustainable and permanent peace.

On Monday, the UN Security Council urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, marking a significant departure from the US’s previous stance as it chose not to veto the resolution. It called for the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages. This marks the council’s first call for a ceasefire since the conflict erupted in October, following numerous unsuccessful attempts.

The US’s shift underscores a widening gap between the US and its ally Israel regarding Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

*Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan. Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images*

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office criticised the US for “abandoning” its previous position, which tied a ceasefire to the release of hostages. The statement said that the US’s position undermines efforts to secure the release of hostages by emboldening Hamas to leverage international pressure on Israel for a ceasefire without releasing the captives. Netanyahu cancelled scheduled meetings between an Israeli delegation and US officials in Washington this week. Israel’s defence minister said they would not cease its Gaza operations as long as hostages remained in captivity there.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the resolution’s imperative implementation to secure a ceasefire and the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”