عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
World

Israel Ex-Army chief Ashkenazi to Serve as FM

In this file photo taken on February 21, 2019, former Israeli military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi delivers a statement in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, ahead of the April 9 general election. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
In this file photo taken on February 21, 2019, former Israeli military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi delivers a statement in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, ahead of the April 9 general election. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
TT
20
TT

Israel Ex-Army chief Ashkenazi to Serve as FM

In this file photo taken on February 21, 2019, former Israeli military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi delivers a statement in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, ahead of the April 9 general election. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
In this file photo taken on February 21, 2019, former Israeli military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi delivers a statement in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, ahead of the April 9 general election. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)

Former Israeli army chief Gabi Ashkenazi will be nominated as Israel's next foreign minister, his Blue and White alliance has said.

Ashkenazi held talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Jerusalem ahead of his "appointment as minister of foreign affairs this coming Thursday," said Blue and White, which is led by the incoming alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz.

A unity government agreed between Gantz and veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to be sworn in on Thursday evening, ending more than a year of political deadlock.

Foreign affairs was a key profile secured by Blue and White in coalition talks with Netanyahu's Likud party, along with the defense ministry which will be led by Gantz.

Ashkenazi joined Israel's army in 1972 and fought in the Yom Kippur war a year later.

Most Viewed

 
World

Taiwan Holds First Live-Fire of US High-Tech Rocket Systems 

The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
TT
20
TT

Taiwan Holds First Live-Fire of US High-Tech Rocket Systems 

The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)
The Taiwanese military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025. (Reuters)

Taiwan conducted Monday its first live-firing of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) purchased from the United States, as the self-ruled island upgrades its capabilities to repel a potential Chinese attack.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.

Taiwan would be massively outgunned in any war with China and for decades has been buying US military weapons and equipment as a deterrence against Beijing.

The first batch of 11 HIMARS were delivered to Taiwan in November.

The truck-mounted units can launch multiple precision-guided rockets at the same time, and has been used by Ukraine against Russia in their ongoing conflict.

AFP journalists watched Monday as Taiwan's army launched rockets from the HIMARS at the Jiupeng base in southern Pingtung County.

Washington severed official diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979 in favor of Beijing, but has remained Taiwan's most important backer and arms supplier.

In the past five decades, the United States has sold Taiwan billions of dollars worth of military equipment and ammunition, including F-16 fighter jets and warships, angering China.