Author: Naharnet Newsdesk

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address Congress in a bid to secure U.S. support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, despite calls from the Biden administration to focus on peace negotiations in Gaza. While Republicans welcome Netanyahu, many Democrats plan to boycott his speech, with Vice President Kamala Harris citing a prior engagement as her reason for not attending. As tensions rise both inside and outside the Capitol, Netanyahu aims to highlight his leadership amid criticism at home. The visit comes amidst political turmoil in the U.S., including an attempt on Donald Trump’s life and President…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington this week is stirring up tensions between the two allies amidst a period of political uncertainty in the United States. Netanyahu’s main agenda is to address a joint meeting of Congress while also discussing efforts to negotiate an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict that has claimed thousands of Palestinian lives. The visit is met with controversy as Netanyahu faces criticism for his handling of the war and reluctance to reach a compromise. Amidst protests and security measures, Netanyahu is also expected to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris…

Germany is taking steps to safeguard its highest court against potential manipulation by extremist or authoritarian politicians. The plan, backed by the governing coalition and conservative opposition, aims to strengthen the Federal Constitutional Court’s independence. With the rise of far-right political forces in Germany, there is a growing concern over the court’s autonomy. The proposed changes would require a two-thirds parliamentary majority to alter the court’s rules, reducing the likelihood of political interference. Drawing from experiences in neighboring countries like Poland, where the judiciary fell under government control, Germany is proactively fortifying its judicial system. The Federal Constitutional Court, responsible…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 23 July 2024, 15:08 Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has suggested a groundbreaking package deal that encompasses both the presidency and the premiership, according to a report. The proposed deal is not limited to the next president but also includes the premiership and members of the new government, as reported by al-Liwaa newspaper on Tuesday. Drawing parallels to the French formula, the report mentioned a scenario where Suleiman Franjieh would be elected as president in exchange for naming Nawaf Salam as the prime minister. In a recent development, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has presented a pioneering proposal that…

Israel has allocated millions of dollars to protect small, unauthorized Jewish farms in the West Bank, supporting outposts that may eventually become settlements. This funding, revealed by Peace Now, highlights the government’s commitment to these outposts, separate from its recognized settlements, despite international criticism. The Ministry of Settlements quietly approved $20.5 million for security equipment for these “young settlements,” including vehicles, drones, and fences. The controversial move, amid ongoing conflict and international condemnation, signals a clear agenda to bolster these outposts. Critics argue that these outposts fuel violence and hinder the possibility of a two-state solution. With increasing settler violence…

The tension in the Middle East escalated as Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatened “huge” retaliation against Israel for a strike on the port of Hodeida. This strike, the first by Israel in Yemen, ignited oil tanks at the crucial port following a fatal attack by the Houthis in Israel. The unrest spread with missile interceptions, strikes in Lebanon, and combat reports in Gaza. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for talks in Washington, the region faces heightened turmoil. The Saudi foreign ministry cautioned against escalating tensions while the Houthis vowed a significant response to Israeli aggression. The strike in Hodeida disrupted…

A Lebanese photojournalist, Christina Assi, who was severely injured during an Israeli strike on south Lebanon, bravely carried the Olympic torch in Paris to honor journalists wounded and killed in the line of duty. Assi, along with other journalists, was attacked while reporting on a clash between Israeli troops and Hezbollah, resulting in severe injuries and the loss of part of her leg. Despite the challenges she faced, Assi, accompanied by colleague Dylan Collins, proudly carried the torch through the suburb of Vincennes, with the support of her AFP team and cheering spectators. The incident raised concerns about the safety…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 22 July 2024, 15:55 Recently, authorities in the United Arab Emirates launched an investigation and fast-tracked the trial of Bangladeshi nationals who were arrested for protesting against their home government within the Gulf country. The demonstrations were sparked by ongoing protests in Bangladesh over a quota system that favored veterans’ relatives in government job allocations. Following the UAE’s indictment on multiple charges, including inciting unrest and damaging property, the detained Bangladeshis await further investigation and pretrial detention. While the exact number of arrests was not disclosed, it is important to note that Bangladeshi expatriates form a significant…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 22 July 2024, 16:09 A wave of Ukrainian drones caused a fire at an oil refinery and resulted in the death of one person in southern Russia, according to officials from both countries. Tensions between Kyiv and Moscow have escalated in recent months, leading to deadly cross-border attacks involving missiles and drones targeting energy infrastructure. The oil refinery attack in Tuapse, Russia, was attributed to drones operated by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, targeting a facility owned by Russian state energy giant Rosneft. Russia reported downing 75 Ukrainian drones, with a significant number destroyed over the Rostov…

President Joe Biden’s decision to step down as the Democratic Party’s nominee for president has opened up opportunities for other contenders to become the Democratic nominee in November. Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a leading contender, with a strong background in civil rights activism and a focus on criminal justice reform. As the first female vice president and the first person of color to hold that office, Harris has a compelling story and a track record of fighting for the little guy. Other notable contenders include Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom,…