Jerusalem – Benjamin Netanyahu’s portrayal of Israel as a success story under his leadership and the showcasing of his rapport with U.S. President Donald Trump were vital ingredients in his triumphant election campaign. The contest was effectively a referendum on Netanyahu’s rule as prime minister for the past decade, a test of his personality and [...]

Washington – U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump will continue to increase pressure on Iran, but declined further comment on the possibility of waivers for countries that import Iranian oil. Pompeo told a U.S. Senate committee that he had “no announcements” on waivers, particularly in an unclassified setting. [...]

Berlin – German authorities have carried out raids on groups suspected of helping the militant Palestinian group Hamas under the guise of providing humanitarian aid. The interior ministry said some 90 properties across Germany associated with an “Islamist network” were searched on Wednesday. It said the network was headed by two groups based in the [...]

New York – A passenger on an El Al flight from Tel Aviv to New York on Wednesday attempted to open the emergency door and jump out of the plane after it landed, Ynet reported. The incident took place on flight LY001 from Tel Aviv to New York after the Boeing 747, which had about [...]

Jerusalem – The haredi political parties Shas and United Torah Judaism have recorded a spectacular electoral success, having both gained eight seats with 98% of the votes counted. 1 This represents a 23% increase from their electoral representation in the current Knesset, and will surely give them even greater political clout in the new government, [...]

Jerusalem – An Arab female terrorist was arrested on Wednesday at the A-Zaim checkpoint at the entrance to Jerusalem after she attempted to stab Israeli security personnel. Security forces noticed the terrorist approaching them while wielding a knife. They called on her to stop, fired in the air and overpowered her. No one was injured [...]

Washington – President Donald Trump is congratulating Benjamin Netanyahu as he appears to be headed for a fifth term as prime minister of Israel. Speaking with reporters in Washington on Wednesday, Trump acknowledged that it might be a bit premature to declare Netanyahu’s victory, but said he’s hearing that he’s won. “I think we have [...]

New York – Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said Tuesday that her relationship with Hillary Clinton is strong and that Clinton had given her advice about her 2020 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Gillibrand, appearing at a town hall televised by CNN, fielded questions about her political record, including the policy shifts she [...]

Jerusalem – Benny Gantz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief rival, says “nothing is over, we are making our moves,” despite election results that appear to hand Netanyahu a clear mandate for a fifth term. Gantz told reporters Wednesday that the broad support for his centrist Blue and White party proves “the people want a different [...]