UPDATED: Oct 26, 2026 14:08 ISTThe Israeli government and Defence Minister Yisrael Katz have dismissed allegations of a feud between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defence Forces regarding plans for a pre-poll strike on Iran, describing the claims as baseless. The clarification comes on the eve of the Israeli general election, where Netanyahu faces a challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
While US President Donald Trump has endorsed Netanyahu, calling on citizens to re-elect him, polling suggests a potential stalemate between the major political blocs, with neither side currently assured of the 61-seat majority required to form a coalition government. Analysts note voter attention remains divided between ongoing regional security tensions, post-war reconstruction, and domestic economic pressures.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Israeli expatriates are travelling from North America and Europe to Ben Gurion Airport to vote in person on 27 October, as Israel does not permit postal or remote absentee voting for regular citizens living overseas. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSRow Over IT Jobs in Bengaluru, Kochi Cafe Controversy and Cyclone Alert Across Southern StatesA political controversy emerged in Tamil Nadu over remarks concerning past governance and welfare schemes, while authorities conducted inspections of key water bodies ahead of the monsoon season.
Simultaneously, an investigation into a child abuse case prompted sharp administrative and political exchanges. In Andhra Pradesh, preparations intensified as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal escalated into a cyclone expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal areas.
Meanwhile, in Kerala, police registered a case against a social media vlogger over an online video targeting a Fort Kochi cafe, leading to accusations of inciting communal discord. In Karnataka, concerns were raised regarding the adequate representation and fair employment opportunities for local residents in the Bengaluru information technology sector.
Additionally, authorities in Hyderabad confronted persistent drinking water wastage by commercial establishments amidst broader concerns over regional water scarcity, enforcing penalties and calling for stricter resource conservation measures.Lula On Brazil Win: 'nós não cabemos no quintal de ninguém'Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed a gathering of supporters following his historic election victory, thanking the Brazilian people for granting him a fourth democratic term in office. Emphasising national sovereignty and popular strength, he declared, "nós não cabemos no quintal de ninguém," and expressed deep gratitude to the youth who took to the streets to safeguard democracy.
He noted that once elections conclude, governance must serve all 215 million citizens across every city, leaving partisan rivalries behind. He also pledged greater citizen participation in public policymaking and addressed the need to regulate digital platforms to prevent foreign interference.PM Modi Praises Yogi Adityanath on Law and Order in Uttar Pradesh Ahead of PollsPrime Minister Narendra Modi praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for improving law and order across the state.
During an interaction with women employees at Arvind Textiles in Varanasi, a female worker credited enhanced security for enabling women to step out and work. Responding to her gratitude, the Prime Minister asked her to thank Yogi Adityanath, reaffirming his confidence in the Chief Minister's governance.
The praise comes ahead of elections in Uttar Pradesh, where law and order is expected to feature as a major electoral issue.BJP Protests in Bengaluru, Delhi, Lucknow Over Kharge's Remarks Against PM ModiBharatiya Janata Party leaders and workers staged nationwide demonstrations across Bengaluru, Delhi, and Lucknow protesting Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Bengaluru, BJP leaders including R.
Ashok and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy held a dharna at Freedom Park, demanding an unconditional public apology from the Congress chief. Rajya Sabha member Lahar Singh criticised the Congress leadership, stating such remarks demean high constitutional posts and undermine political discourse.
In Delhi, party cadres gathered near Kharge's residence at Rajaji Marg carrying placards and shouting slogans, prompting enhanced security barricading. Protests also erupted in Lucknow, where local BJP functionaries accused the Congress of repeatedly insulting the Prime Minister's family and insisted on public apologies from Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.