International News
Israeli PM Fires Defense Minister Amid National Security Crisis, Sparking Protests
In a significant political shift amid ongoing conflicts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a “crisis of trust.”
The decision, announced Tuesday, was met with immediate criticism, with opponents accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing political considerations over national security, especially as Israel braces for potential Iranian retaliation after its October 26 airstrikes on Iran.
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Replacing Gallant is Israel Katz, a close ally of Netanyahu, who now takes charge of Israel’s military strategy in Gaza and Lebanon.
Shortly after Gallant’s dismissal, protesters blocked highways and ignited bonfires, signaling public unrest.
In a further reshuffle, Netanyahu appointed Gideon Saar as the new foreign minister, succeeding Katz in this role.
The friction between Netanyahu and Gallant, both members of the right-wing Likud party, reportedly intensified over the strategic objectives of Israel’s year-long campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
The timing of Gallant’s firing, during U.S. presidential elections, took many by surprise.
Gallant had reportedly issued draft notices to ultra-Orthodox Haredi men, angering factions in Netanyahu’s government who oppose conscription, which some experts believe was a tipping point.
Katz, who vowed to secure the return of Israeli hostages and defeat Hamas and Hezbollah, took to social media platform X to express his commitment.
His tenure as foreign minister had already seen him take a strong stance, including barring U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from Israel for allegedly failing to condemn recent Iranian missile strikes.
The response to Gallant’s dismissal was polarized, with Itamar Ben-Gvir, a right-wing coalition member, praising the move, while opposition leader Yair Lapid called it an “act of madness.”
In the United States, a White House spokesperson noted Gallant’s valued partnership with the U.S. and expressed intentions to work with Katz going forward.
Escalation in Gaza and Northern Airstrikes
As Israel reshuffled its leadership, tensions in Gaza and Lebanon escalated further.
Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza intensified on Tuesday, killing at least 35 people since Monday night, according to Palestinian medics.
The strikes targeted various regions, including Beit Lahiya, where 20 civilians reportedly died.
New evacuation orders were issued in Gaza, with Israeli planes dropping leaflets instructing residents to relocate south.
Israel has stated that these evacuations aim to protect civilians from conflict zones as its forces engage with Hamas fighters. Critics, however, claim the intent is to create buffer zones around Israeli-controlled areas.
Since the start of the conflict, health authorities in Gaza report over 43,300 Palestinian deaths, with the violence intensifying after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 Israelis and capturing 251 hostages.
International News
‘Only Two Genders’ – Trump Vows To Tackle Transgender Lunacy
President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to take sweeping actions against what he described as “transgender lunacy,” signaling a push to reverse policies protecting transgender individuals in schools, sports, and the military.
Speaking at the AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Trump outlined his administration’s priorities, stating, “I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military, and out of our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.”
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He also vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports” and asserted, “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”
The president-elect’s remarks come amid growing national debate over transgender rights, with states divided over issues such as gender-affirming medical care and the inclusion of books addressing transgender topics in schools.
The controversy escalated last week when Congress passed a defense budget provision blocking funding for certain gender-affirming care for the children of service members.
Trump’s speech drew strong reactions, with critics warning that his policies could strip essential protections from transgender individuals.
Civil rights advocates have raised concerns about the implications of these proposals on marginalized communities.
In addition to his focus on cultural issues, Trump used the event to outline his vision for the nation under his leadership.
He described his presidency as a turning point, promising to address international conflicts and restore American dominance.
“On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long, horrible years of failure, incompetence, national decline, and we will inaugurate a new era of peace, prosperity, and national greatness,” Trump declared, referring to his upcoming swearing-in.
He pledged to end the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and avert global conflict. “I will stop the chaos in the Middle East, and I will prevent, I promise, World War III,” he said.
The president-elect also reiterated his commitment to reclaiming control of the Panama Canal and combating crime linked to illegal immigration.
“I can proudly proclaim that the golden age of America is upon us,” Trump concluded.
International News
Ex-IMF Chief, Rodrigo Rato Jailed For Money Laundering, Fraud
A Madrid court on Friday handed down a sentence of more than four years in prison to Rodrigo Rato, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Spain’s ex-economy minister.
Rato was convicted of multiple charges, including tax crimes, money laundering, and corruption.
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The court found Rato guilty of “three offences against the treasury, one offence of money laundering, and one offence of corruption between individuals,” according to an official statement.
Details shortly………..
International News
South Korean President Banned From Travel Amid Martial Law Backlash
South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country, the Justice Ministry confirmed Monday, following a week of political chaos triggered by his brief declaration of martial law.
The ban marks the first time a sitting president has faced such a restriction in the nation’s history.
Recall that on December 3, Yoon ordered special forces and helicopters to the National Assembly in an attempt to impose martial law.
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Lawmakers swiftly overturned the decree, forcing Yoon to rescind the order. Although he survived an impeachment motion on Saturday, public anger has continued to mount, with large protests demanding his resignation.
Authorities are now investigating Yoon and his close allies for their roles in last week’s events, including allegations of insurrection.
Among those facing travel bans are former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who is in custody, and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min.
General Park An-su, who led the martial law operation, and Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung have also been barred from leaving the country.
General Park was questioned by investigators on Monday as the probe intensified.
Yoon’s impeachment failed after members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) walked out of the National Assembly, denying the opposition the required two-thirds majority.
In exchange for their support, Yoon reportedly agreed to delegate his powers to the prime minister and the PPP chairman.
“This is an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup,” said Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party.
Critics argue that Yoon’s decision to hand power to unelected officials violates the constitution.
“It seems to resemble an unconstitutional soft coup,” said Kim Hae-won, a constitutional law professor at Pusan National University.
“Their attitude of placing themselves above the constitution mirrors that of insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol,” added Park Chan-dae.
Despite Yoon’s apology for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his martial law order, his approval rating has plummeted to 11%, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Opposition leaders have announced plans for a second impeachment vote on Saturday, with massive protests expected outside the National Assembly.
The PPP’s claim that Yoon can remain in office while delegating his powers to party officials has also been widely criticized.
“If there are issues with the president, the constitution lays out clear procedures, such as suspension or impeachment,” said Professor Kim Hae-won.
The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about South Korea’s leadership amid tensions with nuclear-armed North Korea.
The Defense Ministry confirmed Monday that Yoon remains the official commander in chief, despite questions about his authority.
“Legally, (control of military forces) currently lies with the commander in chief,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-Kyou.