Latest: Israel Election: Expats Fly Home To Vote In Dead ...

Israel Election: Expats Fly Home To Vote In Dead Heat As Netanyahu Faces Tough Test

Tens of thousands of Israeli expatriates are travelling back to Israel in unprecedented numbers to cast their ballots in person for the October 27 election. Israeli law strictly bars remote and absentee voting for regular citizens abroad, restricting postal ballots solely to diplomats and official emissaries. An estimated 67,000 citizens have flown in from the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia at their own expense to participate in the dead-heat election. Analysts suggest expatriate voters could influence two key parliamentary seats, creating major political implications for Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party. Marking Israel's sixth election in seven years and the first full-term election since 1988, key voter concerns include national security and the ongoing war.

Trump Backs Netanyahu Ahead Of Israel Polls As Gaza War & Iran Threat LoomUnited States President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's parliamentary elections, urging Israelis to vote for him. Trump described Netanyahu as an outstanding warrior prime minister and stated that the United States and Israel must finish the job against Iran, claiming Iran's military and economy are severely compromised.

The endorsement marks a departure from conventional diplomatic norms of non-interference in foreign democratic processes, reflecting Trump's foreign policy approach. The development comes as Israel heads into a tightly contested election, with Netanyahu facing a strong challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot amid domestic concerns regarding security failures, the Gaza conflict, and the rising cost of living.

Netanyahu has continued to frame himself as the decisive leader capable of confronting regional adversaries, warning Tehran against testing Israeli defences.Lula da Silva Reelected Brazil President, Defeats Flavio Bolsonaro in Runoff VoteLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been reelected President of Brazil after defeating right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in a presidential runoff vote. With 100 per cent of the votes counted, Brazil's electoral authority confirmed that the 81-year-old secured nearly 52 per cent of the vote, establishing a lead of nearly 4.4 million votes over Bolsonaro.

The result hands Lula a fourth term and leaves Latin America's two most populous nations, Brazil and Mexico, led by left-of-centre leaders. The declaration followed an evening marked by polling chaos after a Supreme Court justice's last-minute decision extended voting by two hours, a move that may trigger legal action from the Bolsonaro camp.Patna Rally Row, Amit Shah Counterattack And Congress Defence Spark War Of WordsA intense political row has erupted following controversial remarks made at a public address in Patna regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The confrontation began when a person in the audience interrupted a speech on the ouster of power, prompting a sharp and contested verbal retort from the stage. The incident quickly triggered a severe confrontation, during which the man who voiced support for the Prime Minister was assaulted by party workers after the event.

The Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an instantaneous counteroffensive, with Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders accusing the leadership of shattering norms of political decency and lowering public discourse. In response, party defenders remained defiant, alleging prior heckling and clarification around the terminology used.

The clash highlights a recurring war of words and campaign rhetoric between both major political sides.IAF's 94th Anniversary: 94 Aircraft Soar Over Varanasi Ghats In Grand Flypast In PM Modi's PresenceThe Indian Air Force marked its 94th anniversary with a massive flypast over Varanasi's ghats, stretching from Namo Ghat to Assi Ghat in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Featuring 94 aircraft across 31 formations, the grand finale involved fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters drawn from 12 activated Air Force stations.

Key aerial formations included the Prachand formation showcasing frontline combat aircraft with operational weapon loadouts, the Su-30MKI Hanuman formation, the Rafale Neelkanth formation executing a trishul breakout, and indigenous LCA Tejas aerial displays. Multi-service integration was highlighted through joint formations like Tridev and Nataraj involving the Indian Navy and Air Force assets.

Addressing the occasion, IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaydeep Singh explained that the formations were given culturally resonant names inspired by Lord Shiva to connect with the heritage of Kashi, reflecting the synergy of faith and modern military capabilities.