Morocco names 655-Mile coastal highway

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that public support for Israel has declined in the United States, attributing the shift largely to the influence of social media and online misinformation. His remarks came during an interview with ABC News, where he also discussed the war in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear programme, and Israel’s relationship with the United States. Netanyahu admitted that attitudes toward Israel among Americans have changed in recent years and said the trend was a matter of concern. He argued that the rapid growth of social media platforms, along with the use of coordinated online campaigns and automated accounts, has shaped public opinion against Israel. According to him, misleading portrayals of the conflict in Gaza have contributed significantly to the fall in support. Recent surveys suggest that American views of Israel have become increasingly critical. A July poll by the Pew Research Center found that unfavorable opinions of the Israeli people have risen compared with previous years, while support for the Israeli government has also declined. The findings reflect growing concern among Americans over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian impact of the conflict. During the interview, Netanyahu said he wanted Israel to continue receiving support from both major political parties in the United States. He described bipartisan backing as an important part of Israel’s national security and argued that the debate surrounding Israel extends beyond the Middle East. He claimed that those who oppose Israel often also oppose American interests and values. The Israeli leader also discussed Iran, saying Israel and US President Donald Trump share the same objective of preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. He said Israel would support any approach that successfully ends Iran’s nuclear programme, whether through diplomacy, economic sanctions, or military action. However, he stressed that decisions regarding American policy ultimately rest with the US president. Netanyahu accused Iran of repeatedly acting in bad faith during previous negotiations, claiming its leaders have used talks to delay action while continuing their nuclear ambitions. Iran has previously rejected such accusations and argued that inconsistent policies and broken commitments by the United States have undermined diplomatic efforts. He also warned Iran against carrying out any future attacks on Israel, saying such actions would be met with a strong military response. Although he believes Iran’s leadership has become weaker in recent years, Netanyahu said the current government remains in power and predicted that it could eventually collapse. Addressing his relationship with President Trump, Netanyahu dismissed suggestions that either leader was directing the other. He described the two countries as close allies and said the United States remains the senior partner while Israel continues to work closely with Washington on security matters. The prime minister also rejected reports claiming he had underestimated the consequences or duration of military action against Iran. He insisted those reports misrepresented his earlier assessments and said President Trump independently viewed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a serious threat. Netanyahu strongly denied allegations that Israel had committed war crimes or genocide during its military campaign in Gaza. He argued that Israeli forces had taken steps to reduce civilian casualties by issuing warnings through phone calls, text messages, and leaflets urging people to leave areas of fighting. He also accused Hamas of preventing civilians from evacuating. The Israeli leader again ruled out the creation of an independent Palestinian state, arguing that it would pose a security threat to Israel. His comments come despite ongoing international calls for a two state solution. The conflict remains under intense international scrutiny. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict. Israel rejects the accusations, while military operations in the territory have continued despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.

Fourteen Arab and Palestinian organisations have issued an urgent appeal calling for immediate international action to protect occupied East Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque, warning that recent Israeli measures are threatening the city’s religious heritage and historic identity. The groups said the situation has reached a critical stage and argued that stronger global intervention is needed to prevent further escalation. In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the organisations expressed concern over what they described as increasing Israeli actions aimed at changing the existing status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. They said recent developments have targeted not only Al Aqsa Mosque but also the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem and the city’s Arab, Islamic, and Christian character. Al Aqsa Mosque is considered Islam’s third holiest site. The same area is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, believed to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab Israeli war and later declared the entire city its capital in 1980, a move that has not been recognised by most of the international community. According to the appeal, Israeli authorities have allowed an increase in visits to the Al Aqsa compound by Jewish groups under police protection. The organisations claimed these actions, along with restrictions placed on Muslim worshippers, are attempts to alter the long standing arrangements governing access to the holy site. The statement also raised concerns about attacks on worshippers, restrictions placed on religious leaders, and measures targeting guards responsible for protecting the mosque. The groups argued that these actions undermine freedom of worship and threaten the historical and legal status of one of Islam’s most important religious landmarks. Beyond the mosque itself, the organisations accused Israel of expanding settlements, demolishing Palestinian homes, revoking residency rights, carrying out excavations around the Old City, and increasing pressure on both Islamic and Christian religious sites. They warned that these policies are changing the city’s demographic and cultural landscape while placing Jerusalem’s diverse religious heritage at risk. The appeal also highlighted concerns over the city’s Christian community. It said restrictions affecting churches, religious institutions, and Christian leaders threaten the long established Christian presence in Jerusalem and weaken the city’s multicultural identity. The organisations argued that international statements of concern are no longer enough to address the situation. They called for coordinated political, legal, and human rights efforts to stop actions they consider violations of international law. They also urged governments and international institutions to ensure accountability and prevent further changes to the city’s status. The statement specifically called on Jordan, which holds custodial responsibilities for Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, to intensify diplomatic efforts and encourage stronger international engagement. The groups said Jordan’s role remains essential in defending the religious and historical significance of the city’s sacred places. Describing Jerusalem as a shared historical, cultural, and religious responsibility, the organisations stressed that protecting the city requires practical measures rather than symbolic declarations. They said preserving the rights of its residents and safeguarding its holy sites should remain an international priority. The appeal was signed by several organisations, including the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, the Al Quds International Institution, the Arab National Congress, the European Palestinian Conference, and the Islamic National Conference. The statement comes as tensions continue to rise across the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military raids and settler related violence have increased since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Palestinian officials say thousands of people have been injured or arrested during this period, while violence has intensified further following recent deadly clashes near Nablus involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers, and Israeli forces.