Israel

Key Player: Ehud Olmert

By PBS News Hour

Ehud Olmert, a detail-oriented millionaire and a savvy backroom politician, ascended to the leadership of Israel on Jan. 4, 2006 after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was incapacitated by a stroke.

Tel Aviv Suicide Bombing Heightens Tensions With Israel

By PBS News Hour

Nine people died and at least 49 were injured Monday when a suicide bomber attacked a falafel restaurant in Tel Aviv. The attack took place in the middle of the Jewish holiday of Passover, when many Israelis are off from…

Kadima Appears to Take Lead in Israeli Elections

By PBS News Hour

Preliminary exit polls from Israeli elections Tuesday appeared to give the centrist Kadima Party, led by Ehud Olmert, the most seats in parliament, though fewer seats than observers expected.

Hamas, Future of Peace Talks Weigh on Israeli Elections

By PBS News Hour

Tuesday's elections in Israel will likely mark a crucial point in determining the country's future as well as its relationship with a new Palestinian Authority dominated by the militant group Hamas.

Iranian Leader Calls Holocaust a ‘Myth’

By PBS News Hour

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ramped up his anti-Israel rhetoric Wednesday, saying the Holocaust is a "myth" used by Europeans to create an Israeli state.

Sharon Quits Likud, Calls for New Elections

By PBS News Hour

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon threw the Israeli government into chaos Monday by announcing he would leave the hard-line Likud Party he helped form and asking the country's president to dissolve parliament and order new elections.

Palestinians Rush Into Gaza Settlements As Israeli Troops Leave

By PBS News Hour

The mood in the Gaza Strip was joyous yet chaotic Monday as Israeli troops pulled out of Jewish settlements there, officially ending Israel's 38-year occupation.

Israel Completes Pullout From Gaza, West Bank Settlements

By PBS News Hour

Israel's historic pullout from 25 West Bank and Gaza Strip settlements wrapped up Tuesday after soldiers stormed the last two communities to be evacuated in the West Bank and dragged away hundreds of defiant settlers.

Remaining Settlers Leave Gaza; Israel Turns to West Bank

By PBS News Hour

Jews from the last remaining Gaza Strip settlement were evacuated Monday, concluding Israel's historic pullout after nearly four decades of occupation.

Amid Protests and Tears, Israel Begins Gaza Pullout

By PBS News Hour

Hundreds of Israeli nationalists and protesters faced their own army and police as troops began distributing eviction notices as part of the Israeli government's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.