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Israeli PM Fires Defense Minister Amid National Security Crisis, Sparking Protests

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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.

READ MORE: Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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

DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home

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Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.

Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.

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The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.

A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”

The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”

 

 

Details later……….

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Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital

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Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.

The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.

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According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.

Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.

Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.

Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.

For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.

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‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal

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US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.

“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.

SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock

According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.

“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.

“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”

Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”

“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.

“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.

Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.

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