Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified allegations of election fraud by Arab-led parties, describing suspected foreign interference as an "earthquake". The Central Elections Committee has asked the internal security agency, Shin Bet, to investigate these claims, which come amid an inconclusive election where neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition secured a majority. President Isaac Herzog has called for a thorough investigation while cautioning against general suspicion of the Arab community.
Israel's Election Commission is counting 'double envelope' votes, with Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud projected to be the largest party but his bloc falling short of a majority. The opposition bloc, along with Arab parties, holds a potential majority, leading to calls for a Jewish-Arab coalition to form a government and keep Netanyahu out. Negotiations are set to begin as President Herzog urges against another election.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an urgent appeal to right-wing Likud voters on Tuesday, warning of high Arab voter turnout in the ongoing parliamentary election. He claimed Arab voters were "racing to the ballots" and attempting to "steal the election," echoing a controversial tactic from 2015. Netanyahu stressed the importance of every vote for the future of the "Jewish state," as Arab citizens' participation could significantly influence the political balance.
Former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot has secured majority support from newly elected Knesset members, including key Arab parties, to be tasked with forming the next Israeli government. This development comes after the October 27 elections resulted in a political deadlock, with neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor Eisenkot's camp achieving a clear majority. Arab parties, holding 19 seats, emerged as kingmakers, recommending Eisenkot despite acknowledging disagreements, aiming to replace Netanyahu's government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud emerged as the largest party in Israel's recent election, but his right-wing bloc secured only 53 seats, falling short of the 61 required for a parliamentary majority. This outcome positions Arab parties, with a combined 19 seats, as crucial powerbrokers in upcoming coalition negotiations.
Israel's parliamentary election results have led to uncertainty in government formation, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc failed to secure a majority. The situation is further complicated by allegations of electoral fraud and foreign interference, which have been refuted by election officials and the Shin Bet security agency.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated on Thursday evening that it is unclear who has the ability to form a government, despite Gadi Eisenkot receiving 67 recommendations and Benjamin Netanyahu 46. This uncertainty stems from mutual vetoes between and within political blocs, particularly concerning the inclusion of Arab parties due to their stance on Hamas. Herzog plans to hold personal talks with party leaders before tasking someone on Sunday.
Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman are scheduled to meet to discuss parliamentary leadership, as Eisenkot holds the mandate to form Israel's next government amidst ongoing political negotiations and challenges.
Six Arab football federations, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco and Qatar, have publicly declared their "full support" and "confidence" in FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This backing comes as Infantino faces significant backlash and withdrawals of support from European and Oceania federations over his failed $20 billion private investment plan for the World Cup, highlighting a growing schism within global football governance.
Ayush Badoni has replaced Rajat Patidar in the India A squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup due to Patidar's injury. Rinku Singh has also been appointed as the vice-captain for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29.
Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet are investigating alleged foreign interference in the recent national election, focusing on claims of efforts to influence Arab voter turnout. While Qatar has been implicated and denied involvement, the probe's scope is limited and does not question the overall election results. High-level briefings have occurred, and final findings will be submitted to the Central Elections Committee.
Israel's crucial general elections witnessed over 16 per cent voter turnout in the first three hours, the highest since 1981, indicating a tight race between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Gadi Eisenkot. The election is influenced by the ongoing conflict and demands for accountability over the October 7, 2023, attack, with Arab citizens' participation potentially playing a significant role in the outcome.
The United States has evacuated American aircraft from an air base in the UK following a threat from Iran, according to people familiar with the matter, raising fresh concerns over the security of US military assets amid the ongoing conflict.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country's next government, marking a significant political setback for incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot secured recommendations from 67 lawmakers, while Netanyahu received 46, highlighting a shift in parliamentary support.
Partial results from Israel's general election indicate that Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc remains short of a parliamentary majority with 54 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot has 48 seats, leading to a potential coalition deadlock.
The India U17 football team is set to commence its AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group E campaign against Singapore on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur, aiming for consecutive appearances in the continental tournament. The team, under new coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, has undergone extensive preparation, including friendly matches in Myanmar and UAE.
Aaryavir Sehwag fulfilled his promise to father Virender with a stunning 160 against UAE, powering India to a 70-run victory and a place in the U-19 Asia Cup semifinals.
India A has announced a 15-member squad for the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, featuring Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Tilak Varma will captain the side, with Rajat Patidar as his deputy. The tournament runs from November 19 to 29, with India A placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal, and UAE.
Saudi Arabia defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-0 to win the 27th Gulf Cup, marking their first title in 22 years. Goals from Hammam Al Hammami and Feras Al Brikan secured the victory, with the Saudi team maintaining a clean sheet throughout the tournament.
Pakistan is set to host the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup, with plans to use a hybrid model where matches involving India will be played in the United Arab Emirates. The ICC announced the tournament dates, and the Pakistan Cricket Board aims to host all other games, including knockout stages not featuring India, potentially boosting women's cricket in the country.
A senior manager of a jewellery firm, Sajeer Palli Mooppan, wanted in a rape case, has been extradited from the UAE to India. The extradition followed extensive coordination between Delhi Police, Interpol, CBI, and Indian ministries. The accused allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in October 2025, fled to Dubai in January 2026, and was brought back to Delhi on Wednesday after a Red Corner Notice was issued.
India has announced a 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, scheduled from November 11 to 20. The Blue Colts will play against Singapore, Guam, Palestine, and hosts Malaysia in Group E, aiming for qualification to the 2027 tournament in Uzbekistan. The team will also play two friendly matches against the UAE as part of their final preparations.
Mehli Mistry has challenged Noel Tata's eligibility to continue as a trustee of the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution, alleging he holds Irish citizenship, a UAE Golden Visa, and is a tax resident of the United Arab Emirates, seeking an affidavit from Tata on his citizenship and tax residency status.
India A will face Pakistan A on November 22 in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 50-over tournament, scheduled to take place in Doha from November 19.
Gadi Eisenkot, a career soldier and leader of the centrist Yashar party, has emerged as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's principal challenger in the upcoming Israeli general election. His campaign is testing whether a leader from Israel's historically marginalised Mizrahi community can reshape the country's political establishment, which has been dominated by Ashkenazi Jews.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day celebrations. The invitation also extends to brave Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who recently averted a potential hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Netanyahu highlighted the strong, long-standing ties and joint fight against terrorism between India and Israel.
Jared Kushner, former US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, has vehemently denied "outrageous and categorically false" allegations in a new book, "Princes and Thieves," which claims he accessed secret bank accounts linked to UAE, Saudi, and Israeli funds. Kushner stated on X that the author provided no evidence and that such claims never surfaced during his extensive past investigations.
As Israel prepares for parliamentary elections on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical test of his leadership amidst the fallout from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the ongoing Gaza war, and significant domestic challenges.
Two Maldivian pilots employed by flydubai have been arrested in the UAE in connection with an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to hijack and crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The incident, which injured Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, is being investigated by UAE authorities and India's NIA, with the accused co-pilot suspected of extremist ideologies.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his bravery in fighting off an attack from his co-pilot on a flydubai flight, preventing a potential catastrophe. President Isaac Herzog announced the honour, which will be presented once Machchhar recovers.
Israel is set to hold parliamentary elections on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vying to retain power. The election is a critical test of his leadership, influenced by the government's handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, subsequent wars, and ongoing legal challenges. Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, are challenging his right-wing coalition, but opinion polls suggest a fragmented outcome with no clear majority. Key issues include security, accountability for the October 7 attack, military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, and judicial reforms.
Modi's cautious response, omitting the public invite from his telephonic conversation summary, suggests India's reluctance to be drawn into Israel's internal politics, points out M R Narayan Swamy.
An Indian national was killed and two others were injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This incident follows another attack on the Shaybah oilfield where an Indian was also injured, amidst escalating strikes by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi infrastructure.
Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.
Glimpses of Indian Air Force aircraft flying in formation during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr's second goal in their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan's Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite, a match that was delayed by an hour due to a security warning in Riyadh.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his visit to Mumbai, affirmed that the US policy on weapons aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine remains unchanged. He stated that President Donald Trump is "frustrated and angry" over false accusations of deliberately harming Ukraine and is keen on a negotiated end to the conflict. Rubio also addressed concerns about missile interceptor supplies and intelligence sharing regarding recent air strikes, attributing any issues to technical matters rather than deliberate denial. He highlighted global concerns over fuel shortages and the risk of escalation, stressing the urgent need to end the war.
Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami 'attempted a terrorist act' on flight FZ1073 to Tel Aviv, attacking Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and trying to seize control.
The flydubai near-tragedy showed how the gratuitous conflicts their governments started in West Asia have made the world unsafe for them (and unfortunate co-passengers of other nationalities), points out Kanika Datta.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kick-started a three-day visit to India on Tuesday to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade and investment, defence, critical technologies, and exchange views on the West Asia crisis.
