Senior Hezbollah leaders killed in an Israeli airstrike were planning an Oct. 7-style invasion in northern Israel, officials said. The Iran-backed group’s elite Radwan Force was allegedly preparing for a ground invasion. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned Iran and its proxies, stating the leaders aimed to replicate the horrific attacks by Hamas. The IDF reported killing 16 senior commanders, including Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmed Wahbi, in Beirut. Following the strike, Hezbollah fired over 100 rockets into Israel, wounding at least three people. Noah Prescott 22/09/2024 7:00 pm
Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets into northern Israel, including near Haifa, in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed dozens, including a top Hezbollah commander. Hezbollah’s deputy leader declared an “open-ended battle” with Israel. The rocket barrage injured several people and caused fires in Kiryat Bialik. Israeli air raid sirens sent hundreds of thousands into shelters. Lebanon reported three deaths and four injuries from Israeli strikes near the border. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 3:30 pm
Israeli soldiers raided Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, ordering it to shut down for 45 days amid a broader campaign against the broadcaster. This follows a similar raid in East Jerusalem in May. Footage showed troops tearing down a banner of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, killed by Israeli forces in 2022. Al Jazeera’s local bureau chief reported confiscation of documents and equipment. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the raid. Al Jazeera has been covering Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed 41,000 people and 173 journalists since October last year. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 3:30 pm
In Brandenburg, voters are deciding the future of the regional parliament and potentially the coalition government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Social Democrats (SPD), in power since 1990, face a strong challenge from the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which led pre-election polls. SPD’s leader, Dietmar Woidke, has pledged to resign if the AfD wins. The new Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) could become a kingmaker. Established parties refuse to form a coalition with the AfD. The Greens and FDP risk missing the 5% threshold to enter parliament. Noah Prescott 22/09/2024 3:30 pm
Eric Garcia emphasizes the importance of independent journalism in highlighting underrepresented communities, particularly Latino voters in Arizona, and urges for continued support. Meanwhile, divers have found safes with potentially sensitive data on Mike Lynch’s sunken superyacht off Sicily, raising concerns about foreign interest. The wreckage, part of a criminal investigation, is under increased security. Lynch and his daughter were among the eight victims. Additionally, the Italian Sea Group denies pursuing legal action for £186 million in damages against the yacht’s crew and Lynch’s widow. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 3:30 pm
Mr. Netanyahu stated that Israel had dealt unexpected blows to Hezbollah and promised further action if the group didn’t understand the message. His comments didn’t address Hezbollah’s recent attack, which targeted Israeli military bases and disrupted life in northern Israel. Most missiles were intercepted, but a town near Haifa was hit. Hezbollah’s assault seemed calibrated to avoid major cities like Tel Aviv. Tensions also rose in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes, killing dozens, including top Hezbollah commanders. Additionally, Israel intercepted fire from Iraq, and a recent Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed at least 45 people. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 12:00 pm
Anura Kumara Dissanayake leads Sri Lanka’s presidential election with 39% of the vote but hasn’t reached the 50% plus one needed to win. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa follows with nearly 34%. The election, the first since mass protests ousted Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022, may go to a second round if no candidate secures a majority. Voters rank up to three candidates, eliminating the need for additional voting. This election is one of the closest in Sri Lanka’s history. Incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe is in third place with 17%. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 8:30 am
The UN General Assembly’s high-level meeting in New York City will see over 140 world leaders, including those from Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine. The US Secret Service, recovering from a recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, is implementing a comprehensive security plan involving multiple agencies, NYPD helicopters, patrol boats, K-9 teams, road closures, and restricted airspace. This event, more complex than the Super Bowl, coincides with a busy period marked by political conventions and the presidential campaign. Despite high operational demands, the Secret Service remains confident in their preparations. Ava Sinclair 22/09/2024 5:00 am
French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a new government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, marking a shift to the right despite a left-wing parliamentary majority. The cabinet includes 10 Republicans, with Bruno Retailleau as interior minister. Key Macron allies like Sebastien Lecornu and Jean-Noel Barrot retain significant posts. Only one left-wing politician, Didier Migaud, was appointed as justice minister. Antoine Armand, from Macron’s Renaissance party, becomes finance minister, tasked with addressing France’s deficit, which exceeds EU rules. The EU has warned France over its spiraling debt, projected to surpass 6% of GDP by 2025. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 1:30 am
Iran sent ballistic missiles to Russia without the necessary mobile launchers, and it’s unclear if Tehran will provide them soon. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Iran of supplying short-range missiles to Russia, likely for use in Ukraine. Experts suggest the absence of launchers could be a strategic move ahead of UN talks or due to Russia modifying its own trucks for Ukrainian terrain. Iran denies arming Russia. Ukrainian President Zelensky plans to discuss his “victory plan” with U.S. leaders, seeking NATO membership and advanced arms to pressure Russia for peace. Ava Sinclair 22/09/2024 1:30 am
