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, [...]

Washington – Attorney General William Barr said Wednesday he is reviewing the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation, declaring he believed the president’s campaign had been spied on and wanted to make sure proper procedures were followed. “I think spying on a political campaign is a big deal,” Barr told senators at a budget hearing that, [...]

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 [...]

Washington – President Donald Trump says there’s only one person in charge of his immigration policy: Him. Asked by reporters Wednesday whether he had considered tapping his influential aide, Stephen Miller, to lead the Department of Homeland Security given Miller’s focus on the issue, Trump was ready with praise — but not a promotion. “Stephen [...]

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 [...]

Jerusalem – Israel’s Blue and White party leaders are conceding defeat in Israel’s election, saying they will work against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the opposition. Yair Lapid, the party’s No. 2 figure, told a press conference Wednesday that though his party “did not win in this round, I respect the voters.” He said [...]

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. [...]

New York – A man who strangled his estranged wife before she could cut him out of her multi-million dollar will was sentenced Wednesday. Roderick Covlin, 46, was sentenced to 25 years-to-life after the victim’s loved ones delivered very emotional impact statements in court. He murdered Shele Covlin and then tried to make it look [...]

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 [...]

New York – Amazon, facing backlash from critics who say cashless stores discriminate against the poor, will soon accept cash at all its stores. The online shopping giant has more than 30 stores that don’t accept cash, including its book shops and Amazon Go convenience stores. Amazon confirmed it is working to accept cash, but [...]