Politics1 hr ago
Israel Allocates $434 Million for New West Bank Settlements
Israel's government has approved a budget of about 1.3 billion shekels ($434 million) to fund 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The decision was made by the security cabinet in June but only announced publicly on Tuesday. This brings the total number of settlements authorized under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to 104 since it took office in late 2022. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also oversees civilian affairs in the West Bank, said the goal is to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. He described the move as a 'security-strategic decision' and part of a 'settlement revolution.' The government also approved the re-establishment of the settlement Sa-Nur, which was evacuated in 2005. Settlement Minister Orit Strook called it the greatest Zionist-settlement move since Israel's founding. International law considers Israeli settlements in occupied territory illegal. Critics, including the Israeli group Peace Now, say the government is accelerating de facto annexation. Peace Now reported that over 100 new settlements and 185 outposts have been established in the last three years, displacing many Palestinian communities.
Middle East Eye
Politics1 hr ago
Senator Moreno Revives 1993 Reid Proposal to Restrict Birthright Citizenship
Senator Bernie Moreno is planning to introduce a bill that would redefine birthright citizenship, echoing a proposal made by former Senator Harry Reid in 1993. Moreno's move challenges Democrats to oppose a measure that was once supported by one of their own party's prominent figures.
The bill aims to limit automatic citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents. This concept, known as birthright citizenship, is currently guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Reid's 1993 proposal sought similar restrictions but never became law.
Moreno's announcement comes amid ongoing debates over immigration policy and what it means to be an American citizen. Supporters argue that the current system encourages illegal immigration, while opponents say it is a fundamental right rooted in the Constitution.
By referencing Reid's past stance, Moreno is putting pressure on Democratic senators who may be reluctant to endorse the bill. The proposal is expected to spark intense discussion in Congress.
Critics of the bill, including many civil rights groups, argue that changing birthright citizenship would create a class of stateless individuals and undermine American values. Supporters counter that it is necessary to protect national sovereignty.
The bill's future remains uncertain, but it has already reignited a long-standing debate over the interpretation of the 14th Amendment.
Fox News
Politics5 hr ago
Orthodox Jew Forced to Halt Home Prayers After Zoning Dispute
A religious freedom dispute has reached the Supreme Court after an Orthodox Jewish man was ordered to stop holding prayer services in his own home. The man, who lives in a suburban neighborhood, had been hosting a minyan — a small group of at least 10 Jewish men required for certain prayers. But the local government sent him a cease-and-desist letter, claiming the gatherings violated zoning rules. As a result, he canceled the prayer group.
The man argued that the zoning enforcement violated his First Amendment right to freely practice his religion. However, lower courts dismissed his case, ruling on a technicality: they said he should have applied for a permit before bringing the lawsuit. Supporters say the decision forces people to choose between their faith and following local land-use laws.
Now, the man is asking the Supreme Court to hear his case. His lawyers argue that requiring a permit to pray in one's own home goes against the Constitution's protection of religious freedom. The case raises important questions about where religious exercise ends and local government authority begins. The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to take up the appeal.
Fox News
Politics6 hr ago
Malaysia's Unity Government Faces New State-Level Split in Melaka
Malaysia's ruling coalition is experiencing fresh tensions as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan (PH) bloc finds itself in the opposition in Melaka state. This development follows a constitutional amendment that allows the state government to appoint up to seven unelected assembly members with voting rights. PH's five lawmakers opposed the bill, but it passed with a 23-5 vote. The split comes after PH suffered a heavy defeat in Johor state elections earlier, where its federal partner Barisan Nasional (BN) won decisively. The unity government, formed after the 2022 general election, brought together PH and BN, but the alliance has been fragile. The Melaka move signals growing discord at the state level, as PH loses influence in states where it previously held power. Political analysts say the situation could test the stability of the federal government, though both parties continue to cooperate in Putrajaya. The amendment in Melaka is seen as a strategic move by BN-aligned leaders to consolidate control. For now, the unity government holds at the national level, but state-level fractures are becoming more apparent.
SCMP
Politics10 hr ago
US House Approves Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the country. If enacted, this would end the twice-yearly clock changes that occur in spring and fall. Daylight saving time is the period from spring to fall when clocks are set one hour ahead of standard time, giving more daylight in the evenings. The bill, called the Sunshine Protection Act, still needs approval from the Senate and the President to become law. Supporters argue that permanent daylight saving time could boost economic activity, reduce energy consumption, and improve health by eliminating the disruption of time changes. However, opponents raise concerns about darker mornings in winter, which could affect children going to school and increase traffic accidents. Similar proposals have been made in the past but failed to become law. The current system of changing clocks was established in the United States during World War I and later standardized with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Some states have already opted to stay on standard time year-round, but federal law does not allow permanent daylight saving time without Congressional approval.
NDTV World
Politics10 hr ago
US Scientist Held in China for Nearly Two Years on Spying Charges
A US scientist who studied North Korea's nuclear tests has been detained in China for nearly two years on suspicion of espionage, according to his family. Chen Youlin, a researcher with expertise in nuclear issues, was taken into custody in 2022. His family says the charges are baseless and that he is being wrongfully held. The case comes amid heightened tensions between the US and China, with both nations accusing each other of unfair detentions. Several American citizens are currently held in China on similar charges. The US State Department has called for Chen's release, but Chinese authorities have not commented on the specific case. Human rights groups have expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the legal process. Chen's family continues to seek his freedom, stating that he was simply conducting academic research. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in US-China relations, particularly regarding the treatment of scholars and experts working in sensitive fields.
BBC News