The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
In yet another round of violence, Israel has launched an air strike on central Beirut, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuring 24 others. This attack comes as the militant group Hezbollah considers a proposed ceasefire backed by the United States in Lebanon. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, a large fire has also broken out in Tel Aviv following the raid sirens that sounded.
After leaving Hapoel Tel Aviv due to the war situation in Israel and reported interest from Serbian EuroLeague club Crvena Zvezda, former center Johnathan Motley was expected to make a move to the European basketball scene. However, he is now signing with a G League team and attracting interest from NBA clubs instead. Hapoel's owner claimed that Motley's decision to leave was due to the offer from Zvezda, which was denied by the club's sports director. While there were reports about FIBA denying issuing the letter of clearance for Motley's new team, nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
Iran International reveals that Mojtaba Khamenei has been secretly chosen as the successor to his ailing father and current supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The decision was allegedly made under pressure and threats from Khamenei's representatives, causing controversy and uncertainty among Iran's Assembly of Experts. This succession could have major political implications for Iran and its relationship with neighboring countries, especially amid tensions with Israel.
As Iran braces for a turbulent political future amid widespread protests and ongoing tensions with Israel, speculation is rising that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been secretly chosen as the nation's next Supreme Leader. Amid reports of Khamenei's failing health, a recent secret meeting of Iran's Assembly of Experts allegedly resulted in the unanimous selection of Mojtaba as his successor. However, this succession comes with its own set of challenges as the political landscape in Iran has polarized and other influential figures who could serve as kingmakers have died, leaving the future of Iran's leadership uncertain.
A new scandal has emerged involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and its alleged orders to stop recording war cabinet meetings during Israel's offensive on Gaza in October 2023. This deviation from standard security protocols has prompted an investigation by Israel's Attorney General, with reports claiming that Netanyahu's office has collected sensitive footage of a senior military figure for unknown purposes. The controversy surrounding this incident highlights potential misuse of power by the Prime Minister's office and raises questions about the security of sensitive information in Israel's government.
In a stunning upset, debutant Yarden Shua scores a late winner for Israel against Belgium in the Nations League match. Despite the win, Israel could not avoid relegation from the top tier. The victory also puts Israel on level with Belgium in the final standings with four points in Group A2.
Parisian authorities are gearing up for the Israel football team's match against France with an unprecedented deployment of 4,000 police officers and security staff, as well as heavy surveillance throughout the city. This response comes in the wake of fan violence in Amsterdam and potential anti-semitic attacks. With only 20,000 tickets sold, it remains to be seen whether the match will proceed as planned.
Qatar has pulled out of its crucial role as a mediator in the ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, citing a lack of progress and a lack of willingness from both parties. The move comes after months of failed attempts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, leading the efforts. However, Washington has reportedly urged Qatar to expel Hamas leaders from Doha, claiming that the group's political office no longer serves a purpose in the negotiations. This decision marks a significant shift in Qatar's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
After a heated soccer match between Dutch team Ajax and Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv, Dutch authorities reported that a large group of young people targeted Israeli fans in Amsterdam. This attack, fueled by calls on social media to target Jewish people, was condemned as antisemitic by authorities in Amsterdam, Israel, and throughout Europe. Despite a ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the stadium, tensions were high and violence escalated after the game, with several injured and dozens arrested. Dutch officials have promised to prosecute those responsible for the assault.