World
Vice President Kamala Harris to Skip Netanyahu’s Address to Congress Amid Tensions
Vice President Kamala Harris will not attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress, highlighting ongoing tensions. This decision reflects the complex dynamics in U.S.-Israel relations amidst growing political challenges.
Vice President Kamala Harris to Skip Netanyahu’s Address to Congress
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that she will not preside over the joint meeting of Congress scheduled for Wednesday, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a significant address. Her absence is particularly noteworthy given the current tensions among Democrats regarding Netanyahu’s approach to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
According to an aide, Harris’s decision to miss the event should not be interpreted as a shift in her longstanding commitment to Israel’s security. Instead, the vice president has a prior engagement in Indianapolis, where she is slated to speak at a convention for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., one of the nation’s oldest African American sororities. Despite her absence during the Congressional address, she is expected to meet with Netanyahu later this week at the White House.
Traditionally, the vice president, in her role as the president of the Senate, occupies a prominent position beside the House speaker during joint meetings with foreign leaders, symbolizing a united front and support. This week, however, Democratic leaders have decided that Senator Benjamin Cardin of Maryland, who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, will fill that role. He will sit alongside Speaker Mike Johnson and directly behind Netanyahu, according to sources familiar with the arrangements.
Senator Cardin, who has announced his retirement from Congress, has been a steadfast supporter of Israel throughout his tenure, even as the Biden administration and many members of Congress have expressed their concerns about Netanyahu’s policies and the handling of the conflict with Hamas.
In a twist, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, who serves as the president pro tempore and is third in line for the presidency, was also approached to preside in Harris’s absence but opted not to attend the speech altogether, according to a spokesman.
Additionally, several other Democratic lawmakers have indicated their intention to boycott the address in protest of Netanyahu’s policies and the broader implications of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The situation has become increasingly fraught, particularly as Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader and a Democrat from New York, is viewed as an unsuitable alternative due to his previous remarks labeling Netanyahu as a significant barrier to peace in the Middle East. Schumer has even called for new elections in Israel once the conflict subsides.
The Biden administration has had its share of tensions with Netanyahu, primarily concerning Israel’s extensive bombardment of Gaza, the inadequate delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and the apparent absence of a comprehensive post-war governance plan. Despite these conflicts, Netanyahu was invited to address Congress by leaders from both political parties. However, it was Speaker Johnson who vigorously advocated for this speech, aiming to strengthen ties with Netanyahu amid growing dissent among some Democrats, especially progressives, who have openly criticized his tactics that have led to substantial civilian casualties in Gaza and dire humanitarian conditions for the 2.2 million Palestinians living in the enclave.
Additional reporting contributed by Erica L. Green.
World
Dominique Pelicot Testifies in Harrowing Rape Trial
Join us as Dominique Pelicot courageously testifies in a harrowing rape trial, shedding light on the complexities of trauma and justice. Her powerful story raises crucial questions about the legal system and the importance of support for survivors.
Dominique Pelicot Takes the Stand in Shocking Rape Trial
In a courtroom drama that has captivated France and garnered international attention, Dominique Pelicot, the man at the center of a harrowing rape trial, finally addressed the court. With tears streaming down his face, he recounted how his wife had been instrumental in helping him cope with a tumultuous past marked by trauma. He revealed that he had endured a sexual assault at the tender age of nine while hospitalized, and he also witnessed a gang rape during his teenage years while working as an apprentice electrician on a construction site.
“She didn’t deserve this, I acknowledge that,” Mr. Pelicot stated, his voice barely audible as he struggled to convey his emotions. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and the courtroom fell silent, straining to catch his every word.
Now 71 years old, Mr. Pelicot faces serious allegations of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, whom he has been married to for half a century, over a span of nearly ten years. Prosecutors contend that he used drugs to render her comatose, allowing him to rape her repeatedly. Furthermore, authorities allege that he went so far as to invite numerous men into their home, facilitating a nightmarish scenario where they, too, engaged in the assault of his wife.
Overall, 51 men, including Mr. Pelicot, are on trial concurrently, primarily facing charges related to the aggravated rape of Ms. Pelicot. Among them, one individual has already pleaded guilty to similar crimes, admitting to drugging his own wife to assault her and inviting Mr. Pelicot to partake in the horrific act while she was incapacitated.
Mr. Pelicot’s unexpected testimony came after a tumultuous start to the trial. Just a week in, he was stricken with severe health issues that forced him to miss four consecutive days in court. The head judge ultimately decided to postpone proceedings, as Mr. Pelicot was diagnosed with kidney stones, a kidney infection, and prostate complications, adding yet another layer of complexity to this already harrowing case.
World
Meta Bans Russian State Media Outlets from Social Media Platforms
Explore the implications of Meta’s decision to ban Russian state media outlets from its social media platforms. Understand the impact on information dissemination and the ongoing battle against misinformation in the digital landscape.
Meta Imposes Global Ban on Russian State Media Outlets
In a significant move, Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, has announced the prohibition of Russian state media outlets, including RT (Russia Today) and Rossiya Segodnya, from all its social media platforms. The decision stems from the company’s concerns regarding the deceptive strategies employed by these media organizations to execute covert influence operations across the internet.
Meta made this announcement on Monday, emphasizing that the ban will be enforced worldwide across its various platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The rollout of this ban is expected to take place over the coming days.
Statement from Meta
A spokesperson for Meta elaborated on the decision, stating, “After careful consideration, we have expanded our ongoing enforcement actions against Russian state media outlets. As a result, Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other affiliated entities are now banned from our applications globally due to their involvement in foreign interference activities.”
For further insights into this development, watch the video in the player above.
World
Trump Recalls Alleged Assassination Attempt While Golfing
Explore Donald Trump’s chilling recollection of an alleged assassination attempt he experienced while enjoying a round of golf. Delve into the tense moments and his reflections on safety, fame, and the unpredictability of public life.
In a recent interview on the social media platform X, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recounted a harrowing incident he claims to have experienced while playing golf. Trump described how, during a peaceful Sunday morning round with friends, the tranquility of the day was abruptly shattered by the sound of gunfire in the air.
“It was a beautiful day, everything was just perfect,” Trump reflected. “Then all of a sudden, we heard shots being fired—probably around four or five in total.” He went on to explain that a Secret Service agent was the first to spot the suspect, who was allegedly armed with an AK-47, a powerful assault rifle.
“The agent saw the barrel of the weapon and immediately took action, returning fire at the barrel and aiming in the direction of the bushes,” Trump detailed. “I would have loved to have sunk that last putt, but we decided it was best to leave the scene promptly.”
Trump expressed his gratitude towards the agents and a vigilant civilian who aided in tracking down the suspect, who was eventually apprehended following a high-speed chase.
Suspect Faces Multiple Federal Gun Charges
The FBI has identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, accusing him of targeting Trump during his time at the golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to an FBI report, Routh had allegedly hidden among the hedges of the golf course for an astonishing 12 hours. Authorities discovered an SKS-style assault rifle, a GoPro camera, and a bag of food at the scene.
The 58-year-old Routh is now facing two serious federal gun charges. If convicted on both counts, he could face a combined maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Notably, neither of the charges is directly related to an assassination attempt. The first charge pertains to possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction, which carries a potential 15-year sentence, a fine of $250,000 (€225,000), and three years of supervised release.
The second charge involves possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which could result in a five-year prison term, the same financial penalties, and also three years of supervised release. As the investigation continues, additional charges could be forthcoming.
While the motive behind Routh’s actions remains unclear, his digital footprint reveals strong political affiliations, particularly concerning issues surrounding Ukraine and China. Routh consistently expressed support for Ukraine across various social media platforms, even claiming to have orchestrated a recruitment scheme for international volunteers aiming to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. This behavior has been denounced by Ukrainian soldiers and members of the International Legion, who disavowed Routh’s actions and motives.
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