WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, November 19, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, November 20, 2017:

Israel-Saudi ties

An Israeli minister says Tel Aviv has had covert contacts with Saudi Arabia over Iran. In an interview with Israeli Army Radio, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said it was the Saudis who were interested in keeping the ties secret. This has been the first disclosure of such contacts by a senior Israeli official. Revelations of developing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia come amid increased tension between Tehran and Riyadh. Saudi Arabia had previously stated that any relations with Tel Aviv hinged on Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian lands occupied in 1967. Also last week, Israeli military chief, Gadi Eizenkot, said Tel Aviv and Riyadh had a common interest in standing up to Tehran.

War on Yemen

A Saudi airstrike has killed at least eleven members of a family in the Yemeni province of al-Jawf. Eight children and three women lost their lives as the raid destroyed their house in Maslub district. Riyadh is keeping up its relentless airstrikes on civilian areas despite international condemnations and warnings. Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen and its crippling siege have left millions of people at risk. The International Committee of the Red Cross says cholera is threatening one million people as the cities of Hudaydah, Ta’izz and Sa’ada have run out of clean water. The UN has also warned that thousands will perish if Saudi Arabia refuses to lift the blockade to allow the flow of humanitarian aid.

Chile presidential election

Near-final results from Chile’s presidential election suggest that former president Sebastian Pinera and his main opponent Alejandro Guillier have to contest in a runoff next month. According to Chile’s Electoral Agency, with more than 80 percent of the ballots counted, Pinera has clinched nearly 37 percent and Guillier 23 percent. Pinera was the president of Chile from 2010 to 2014. If elected again, he will be the country’s 37th leader and will succeed Socialist Michelle Bachelet. Chile’s Constitution bans presidents to run for consecutive terms, but reelection after skipping a term is possible.

Iran rejecting AL accusation

The Arab League has issued a resolution leveling fresh accusations against Iran and Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah. The resolution was issued during an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo convened at the request of Saudi Arabia. It accused Iran of arming Yemen’s Ansarullah movement, a claim which Tehran has rejected as baseless. The resolution also called Hezbollah a terrorist group and accused it of supplying terrorists with advanced weapons and ballistic missiles. Lebanon's Arab League representative objected to the declaration saying Hezbollah is part of the country's government. Saudi Arabia claims the resistance movement had a role in the launch of a missile which targeted an airport in Riyadh from Yemen earlier this month.

Tension in Golan Heights

Israel has confirmed firing a tank shell at a Syrian army post on the Golan Heights, the second such incident in 24 hours. The Israeli army accused the Syrian side of violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement by conducting construction work in order to strengthen a military post. On Saturday, an Israeli tank also fired a shot, with the army issuing a similar statement. Saturday's tank fire reportedly hit near the Syrian Druze village of Hader. Israel occupied part of the Syria’s Golan Heights in the Six-Day War of 1967. Tel Aviv later annexed the strategic territory in a move never recognized by the international community.

German politics

In Germany, government coalition talks have failed as the Free Democratic Party left negotiations over profound differences. FDP leader Christian Lindner said the four parties involved in the talks did not manage to reach a basis of trust. The failure has left Chancellor Angela Merkel with either of two options, namely to form a minority government with the Greens or hold new elections. Immigration policy was among major issues causing disagreement. Merkel expressed regret over the outcome, reassuring her supporters that she would take the country out of this difficult time.

Germany-Saudi Arabia row

Saudi Arabia has escalated tensions with Germany by canceling a planned visit by the kingdom’s Yemen envoy to Berlin. The envoy was expected to meet with Germany’s Foreign Ministry officials regarding Yemen’s humanitarian situation. On Saturday, Riyadh recalled its ambassador to Berlin over comments made by the German foreign minister about the fate of Lebanon's prime minister. Sigmar Gabriel suggested that Sa’ad al-Hariri had been held against his will in Riyadh. Gabriel also warned about the threat of instability and bloodshed in Lebanon, noting that Europe cannot tolerate the spread of adventurism there.

NAFTA talks divisions

Mexico and Canada have rejected demands made by the US during talks on amending the North American Free Trade Agreement. Sources close to the negotiations say Mexico has serious issues with the US proposals on automotive content rules and import restrictions. Mexican representatives dismissed the unviable propositions for making the region less competitive. The Mexican delegation, however, made no counterproposals on the major points of contention. Canadian representatives also criticized the US bid, saying it caused serious damage to the North American automotive manufacturing. President of the largest Canadian private-sector union also blamed the United States’ bullying approach for putting the talks on the brink of failure.

US marine arrested

US military personnel in Japan have been banned from drinking alcohol following a deadly car accident in Okinawa. A 21-year-old US Marine crashed his vehicle into a mini-truck on Sunday, leading to the death of its driver. The Marine’s breath test had an alcohol level three times the legal limit. He has been arrested and charged with negligent driving. The Japanese government has expressed regret over the fatal incident.

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