Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Rifts are growing in Israel’s war cabinet as the Gaza war turns into a potential stalemate, strengthening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rivals.
However, the growing number of critics have no immediate prospect of dislodging Mr Netanyahu from power, western diplomats and a political observer said on Thursday.
The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,100 Israeli civilians and ushered in the devastating seven-month conflict has led to a unity government and war cabinet.
The move aimed to show that Israel's divided ruling elite can together focus on the so-far elusive goal of neutralising Hamas, a militant group supported by Iran.
Other threats, including Lebanese Hezbollah, a militia far more powerful than Hamas, and Iran – which directly attacked Israel for the first time on April 13 – underlined the need for political unity.
The war cabinet comprises three heavyweights: Mr Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, the former head of the army, and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Mr Gantz and Mr Gallant are seen as less accommodating towards Israeli's religious right, and more focused on ties with Washington. This is in addition to their distaste for Mr Netanyahu, a more populist leader with political durability, despite having been at the centre of continuing corruption allegations.
More seriously, there has been growing anger at the Prime Minister arising from the shock that Israeli communities were overrun by Hamas on his watch.
Domestically, he had sold himself as a leader who would strengthen Israel's security. Internationally, Mr Netanyahu is facing even less acceptance.
“When you want a viable solution in the long term it is important to have a partner in the Israeli government,” Belgian Development Co-operation Minister Caroline Gennez said in Amman this week.
“So far, they don't seem to listen to international calls,” said Ms Gennez as she explained her government's push for a European weapons export ban on Israel.
The latest high-profile rift came this week, with the Defence Minister challenging Mr Netanyahu’s vision of long-term Israeli military rule in Gaza once Hamas is supposedly defeated.
Mr Gallant said in televised remarks that Israel should seek a friendly government in Gaza, as opposed to indefinite military rule.
Mr Netanyahu's maximalist positions have also made him a thorn in the side of the US administration, which appears to have opened a separate channel with Mr Gantz.
A western diplomat said that a “tipping point” for Mr Netanyahu could occur if Mr Gantz and Mr Gallant resigned together, combined with growing street protests against the Prime Minister.
But the diplomat cautioned that the Israeli government still has strong support from the United States and from Germany to ultimately eradicate Hamas. Mr Netanyahu and his two political foes in the war cabinet also “all need each other to survive” amid the lack of progress for Isreal in the war.
The US elections in November could also bring in former president Donald Trump, who is seen as more friendly to Mr Netanyahu, the diplomat said, and less in favour of a Palestinian state.
The war has revived calls by international powers for a two-state solution, which Washington has been pursuing with more interest in the last several months as part of a larger deal to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Normal ties between the two powers could alter Middle East dynamics to the disadvantage of Iran. But Saudi Arabia has signalled that it would not agree to it without Israel giving in to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Hazem Ayyad, a veteran Jordanian political commentator, said that Mr Gallant is positioning himself as the most politically astute among the top echelons of the power structure in Israel.
Mr Gallant is seeking to “keep one foot with the United States and one foot with the Israeli right-wing constituency”.
“He is appealing to the dreams of everyone,” Mr Ayyad said.
He pointed out that Mr Gallant is responding positively to the US by de facto agreeing to a role for the Palestinian Authority in a postwar Gaza.
By not endorsing a two-state solution, he is keeping a base among the Israeli hardliners, Mr Ayyad said.
But a senior western diplomat in Amman said that although Israel is fighting an “unwinnable” war, the intransigence of the Israeli right in recent decades may have already destroyed the possibility of any two-state solution.
The United States and other powers may have to examine a “one-state” scenario, under which the Arab population of Palestine would have equal rights, the diplomat said.
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The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh960,000
Engine 3.9L twin-turbo V8
Transmission Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power 661hp @8,000rpm
Torque 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.4L / 100k
Racecard
6.35pm: The Madjani Stakes – Group 2 (PA) Dh97,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.10pm: Evidenza – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,200m
7.45pm: The Longines Conquest – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 2,000m
8.20: The Longines Elegant – Conditions (TB) Dh82,500 (D)
8.35pm: The Dubai Creek Mile – Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 1,600m
9.30pm: Mirdif Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,400m
10.05pm: The Longines Record – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,900m
In The Heights
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda
Rating: ****
Opening Rugby Championship fixtures:Games can be watched on OSN Sports
Saturday: Australia v New Zealand, Sydney, 1pm (UAE)
Sunday: South Africa v Argentina, Port Elizabeth, 11pm (UAE)
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Company%20Profile
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Small%20Things%20Like%20These
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The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.
RESULT
Aston Villa 1
Samatta (41')
Manchester City 2
Aguero (20')
Rodri (30')
Result
2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,950m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m; Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Adam McLean, Doug Watson.
3.45pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,950m; Winner: Conclusion, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh100,000 1,400m; Winner: Pilgrim’s Treasure, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m; Winner: Sanad Libya, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,000m; Winner: Midlander, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company%20profile
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