Articles in this Cluster
04-08-2025
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir openly prayed at Jerusalem’s Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, breaching the long-standing status quo that permits Jewish visits but bars non-Muslim prayer. The move, condemned by Jordan (the site’s custodian), the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, sparked fresh tensions at one of the region’s most sensitive holy sites. Israel’s prime minister’s office said policy had not changed. Ben-Gvir, sanctioned by the UK for incitement, was accompanied by police and used the visit to call for full Israeli control of Gaza and “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians—positions experts say could amount to forced displacement. The Waqf said 1,250 Jews entered the compound on Sunday.
04-08-2025
Tens of thousands marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge in a pro-Palestinian “March for Humanity” after the NSW Supreme Court approved the event a day prior, despite police safety concerns and government opposition. An estimated 90,000 attended in heavy rain, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza; notable participants included Julian Assange, MP Ed Husic, and former NSW Premier Bob Carr. Police temporarily halted the march for safety and redirected crowds, while major transport disruptions occurred. The ruling protected attendees from certain public assembly charges. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies criticized the decision. The protest comes amid pressure on Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood, with PM Anthony Albanese saying recognition would depend on conditions ensuring Israel’s security.
04-08-2025
Israel’s government unanimously voted to fire Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, following longstanding criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition that she overstepped her authority. The Supreme Court quickly issued an injunction halting the dismissal. The move intensifies tensions over the attorney general’s uniquely powerful, nonpolitical role and comes amid the government’s broader push to reshape the judiciary.
04-08-2025
France has suspended all evacuations of Gazans to its territory after a Palestinian student at Sciences Po Lille allegedly reposted antisemitic content featuring Adolf Hitler calling for the killing of Jews. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the student will be expelled and announced an investigation into how she obtained a student visa. French officials condemned the posts and vowed stricter oversight, stating that individuals promoting antisemitism or terrorism have no place in France. The move comes amid France’s push to recognize a Palestinian state in September, which has drawn criticism from the U.S. and Israel.
04-08-2025
More than 600 retired Israeli security officials, including former chiefs of Mossad, Shin Bet, and the military, urged U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the Gaza war. In an open letter, they argue Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat, say Israel’s military objectives in Gaza have been met, and contend that only a deal can secure the hostages’ return. They ask Trump to use his credibility with Israelis to steer a ceasefire and support a regional plan placing a reformed Palestinian Authority in charge of Gaza. Some Israeli ministers still advocate continued operations and potential occupation.
04-08-2025
Tens of thousands marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge in a pro-Palestinian “March for Humanity,” prompting police to halt the event mid-way due to heavy rain and unexpectedly large crowds that created a risk of a crush. Police called the situation “perilous” but praised attendees’ behavior. The protest, allowed after a Supreme Court ruling, featured a surprise appearance by Julian Assange and participants carrying pots and pans to highlight Gaza’s hunger. Similar rallies occurred in Melbourne and Adelaide. The demonstrations reflect growing public pressure on Australia’s government to take a stronger stance on the war; while ministers say recognizing a Palestinian state is a matter of “when, not if,” no timeline has been set, and criticism of Israel has sharpened.
04-08-2025
Zohran Mamdani’s decisive New York City mayoral primary win, despite sharp criticism of Israel and support for BDS and labeling Gaza actions as genocide, revealed significant Jewish voter backing driven largely by affordability issues like rent and transit. While Orthodox and some heavily Jewish neighborhoods favored Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani drew support from non-Orthodox Jewish voters and younger demographics, with ranked-choice data showing strong crossover from Brad Lander supporters. Many Jewish backers said his stance on Israel—calling for equal rights and criticizing Netanyahu’s policies—aligned with their own views and did not conflict with supporting Jewish New Yorkers. Mamdani emphasizes combating antisemitism and expanding funding against hate crimes, while his campaign’s focus on affordability and free buses resonated across diverse constituencies.
04-08-2025
Israel’s government unanimously voted to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, the chief prosecutor in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption case and a frequent critic of his policies. The move, a major step in Netanyahu’s bid to reshape the judiciary, is expected to trigger a showdown with the Supreme Court, which will review its legality. The opposition immediately petitioned to block the dismissal, and Baharav-Miara’s office called it illegal, accusing Netanyahu of seeking a compliant legal adviser. The decision comes amid mounting U.S. pressure over the Gaza war and public outrage following videos of emaciated Israeli hostages, with critics saying the government is prioritizing political control over efforts to end the conflict and secure hostage releases.
