The PM says the depth of the pair's relationship was not know when he was appointed US ambassador.
Bezalel Zini, an Israeli military reservist on active duty, is accused of smuggling 14 cartons of cigarettes in exchange for $117,000.
The swap - the first since October - sees 157 Ukrainians and 160 Russians returned home.
Influenza is once again spreading rapidly across the Kansai region, with Osaka Prefecture reaching an advisory-level outbreak for the second time in a single season for the first time in 15 years as infections surge again after the New Year. (News On Japan)
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after allegedly leading a group attack that left another festival official seriously injured during a danjiri festival in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, in October last year. (News On Japan)
A new wave of high-end hotel development in Nara is accelerating as Kintetsu Miyako Hotels announced plans to open a luxury accommodation facility on former grounds of Todaiji Temple, aiming for an autumn 2028 launch. (News On Japan)
Israel declines to comment on the allegation its planes sprayed glyphosate over an area with extensive farmland.
The Ukrainian president also said a large number of people were "officially missing", meaning the total death toll is thought to be much higher.
The talks had appeared to be in jeopardy, with the two countries at odds over the location and parameters.
The talks had appeared to be in jeopardy, with the two countries at odds over the location and parameters.
"Overtourism" during Japan's iconic blossom season makes life for locals in Fujiyoshida town unmanageable, authorities say.
MSF says a government air strike hit its hospital after another of its health facilities was looted.
The Ukrainian president also said a large number of people were "officially missing", meaning the total death toll is thought to be much higher.
Their call comes in the wake of a flurry of visits by Western leaders to China in recent months.
Gus Lamont was last seen playing outside his home on a remote sheep station on 27 September.
Gus Lamont was last seen playing outside his home on a remote sheep station on 27 September.
Accused allegedly threw a homemade bomb at a crowd which had gathered to protest Australia Day.
Four images seen by BBC Verify show partially clothed women with their faces and bodies unredacted.
More aid has been allowed into Gaza since the ceasefire began three months ago, but the UN says it is nowhere near enough.
More aid has been allowed into Gaza since the ceasefire began three months ago, but the UN says it is nowhere near enough.
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