Amid heightened security tensions, the prime minister departed from Nevatim Air Force Base rather than Ben Gurion Airport. Netanyahu before takeoff: “I will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran.”
The US midterm elections are rapidly approaching. Democrats need to gain three seats to take control of the House, and in some cities Israel has become a defining fault line. In the Senate, however, they face a far more difficult challenge.
Over the past week, US President Donald Trump has made three dramatic reversals. They may indicate that the president is beginning to grasp the complexity of the Middle East and the difficulty of resolving its conflicts. One thing is certain: The emerging reality is untenable for Israel.
After relations deteriorated under outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who expelled Israel’s diplomatic representatives from the country while moving to open an embassy in “Palestine,” the president-elect promised to “strengthen our presence in places that offer strategic opportunities.” He is now following through. This is his first move in Israel’s favor.
Footage from the fire at a warehouse complex shows thick smoke billowing from the area, while the suspected hazardous materials leak originated at a facility unrelated to the Strauss plant. Residents of a nearby neighborhood were instructed to remain indoors.
