Israel heads to polls on Tuesday; Netanyahu to face ex-IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot
Digital Desk | Jerusalem, Oct 26 (IANS) As Israel heads to a crucial parliamentary election on Tuesday, incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a challenge from key candidates including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan, local media reported. Netanyahu has positioned himself as the strongest candidate to safeguard Israel's security and handle its international ties. His Likud party is focusing on military successes against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, while critics argue that the October 7 attack exposed serious security lapses under his leadership, Israeli media outlet i24 News reported. Former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as a prominent challenger to Netanyahu. His newly formed Yashar party combines a security-oriented agenda with pledges to restore public confidence and reinforce democratic institutions. Furthermore, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have united to build an alliance, the Beyachad party, spanning right-wing and centrist voters. Their platform focuses on national security, integrating ultra-Orthodox men into military service and the workforce, supporting reservists and reforming the constitutional framework. Led by Avigdor Lieberman, the Yisrael Beiteinu party combines a tough security stance with secular policies. While the party traditionally drew support from immigrants from the former Soviet Union, it is now reaching out to a broader electorate that demands compulsory military service for all and less religious influence over public affairs. Additionally, Yair Golan's Democratic Party opposes annexation, favours a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and supports cooperation with moderate regional partners, i24 News reported. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's opponents are exploring possible post-election arrangements as opinion polls point to a closely contested race, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. Israel's anti-Netanyahu bloc is preparing for the possibility of forming a minority government after the upcoming elections, despite opposition from Avigdor Liberman and Naftali Bennett, while a broad agreement is emerging among the parties to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana even before a coalition deal is reached, the report stated. In most polls, the anti-Netanyahu camp holds an advantage over the outgoing coalition bloc, but the Zionist parties seeking political change fall short of the majority needed to form a government based on their current agreements, it noted. Nearly three years after the deadliest attack in Israel's history triggered a devastating war on multiple fronts, Israelis are preparing to cast their votes in an election widely regarded as one of the most consequential in the country's history, with implications extending well beyond the political future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his opponents, The Times of Israel reported. The report suggests that the Tuesday election, the first since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, massacre, is taking place against a backdrop of deep divisions over accountability for the failures that enabled the attack, the burden of military service, and the independence of Israel's democratic institutions and judiciary,
What's at stake as Israel holds its most important election in years
Getty Images When Israelis go the polls on October 27, they will face a familiar question: Should Benjamin Netanyahu, the countrys longest-serving prime minister, stay in power? Nearly every recent election has been a referendum on Netanyahu. This time, many Israelis say the choice is more consequential than ever: not only about who will lead the country, but about where it is heading. It is the first national vote since the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, the deadliest security failure in Israels history, and the wars that followed in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, which have mobilized much of the country and subsequently deepened Israels international isolation. For many voters, this is the first chance to pass judgment on the leadership that presided over October 7 failures, to decide who should lead the country in conflict and who should carry the burden of increased military service. Netanyahus outgoing government the first in decades to conclude a full four-year term relied on far-right and ultra-Orthodox partners, who pushed Israel in a more nationalist and religious direction than ever before. He became the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial on corruption charges as his government pursued a judicial overhaul aimed at weakening the supreme court and other checks on power. The overhaul effort sparked massive protests in 2023. At stake in Tuesdays election is whether Israel keeps moving in the nationalistic, conservative and religious direction or changes course. The answer might not be clear for weeks, because of the way Israeli coalitions are built. Polls suggest neither Netanyahus bloc nor the opposition is likely to win a majority alone, meaning the vote may launch Israels next political crisis rather than settle it. Who is running and who is ahead? Israelis vote for party lists, not individual candidates. In a society divided by nationality, religion, ethnicity and ideology, that produces a crowded field. Dozens of lists register each cycle 37 this time around but only those that pass a 3.25% vote threshold win seats and enter the 120-seat Knesset, Israels parliament. Polls suggest 11 to 13 parties will meet the bar; seats are allocated through a proportional representation system. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to local residents and supporters during a campaign stop at HaTikva Market in Tel Aviv on Thursday. - Erik Marmor/Getty Images The two largest parties are Netanyahus right-wing Likud and Yashar, a new centrist party led by Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff who has emerged as his principal challenger. The latest Channel 12 opinion poll puts Eisenkot first with 23 seats, ahead of the Likud with 21, though other pollsters differ. On the pro-Netanyahu Channel 14, Likud is projected to take 30 seats and Eisenkot about 20. In head-to-head matchups about who is better suited to be prime minister, Eisenkot has led Netanyahu by a steady margin. But coming out as the largest party is not enough to win. A prime minister needs 61 seats to form a government, and no party has ever won that majority alone. So, election night usually settles very little. The real contest is the coalition calculus that follows, which can take days, weeks, and even months. Most polls put Netanyahus bloc, made up of Likud, two far-right parties led by Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, and two ultra-Orthodox parties, at 49 to 55 seats, short of the 61-seat majority. The opposition, which looks strong on paper, is deeply fragmented: Eisenkot has parties led by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman to his right, and the Democrats party led by Yair Golan on his left. Bennett and Liberman have not endorsed Eisenkot and both have their own premiership aspirations. Leader of the Yashar party Gadi Eisenkot visits the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on Thursday. - Mahmoud Illean/AP According to the opinion polls, any alternative government would probably need the support or the abstention of the Arab parties, and several opposition leaders have ruled out any cooperation. With no side holding a clear majority, a deadlock, a minority government, a unity government or another election are all plausible outcomes. What could swing the result? With neither bloc projected to win comfortably, the outcome may hinge on the margins: which small parties clear the 3.25% threshold and how many votes go to parties that miss it, effectively sending them down the drain. Turnout matters, since a few thousand votes can determine whether a party disappears entirely or enters parliament, or even becomes the kingmaker that breaks the deadlock between the blocs and reshapes the political map. Arab voter turnout could be pivotal. Palestinian citizens of Israel who make up roughly 20% of the Israeli population have traditionally voted at lower rates than the national average. In the 2022 election, the Arab turnout was 53.2%, while the general turnout was 70.6%. This time, pollsters expect it to exceed 60%. That would raise the threshold and make it harder for small parties to survive. Mansour Abbas, head of Israel's conservative Islamic Ra'am party, speaks at a campaign rally in the Arab-Israeli village of Abu Gosh on Wednesday. - Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images Netanyahus coalition has several small parties at potential risk, including Smotrichs Religious Zionism and a new right- wing party led by Ofer Winter, a prominent retired military general. While most opposition parties sit safely above the line, another new, uncommitted small party, connecting a reservist and economic agenda, is polling close to the 3.25% threshold. Another factor drawing attention is Israelis living abroad. Israel does not allow overseas voting, except for diplomatic staff, and official data suggests more than 11% of the 7.3 million eligible voters, about 810,000 people, live outside the country. Thousands plan to fly to Israel to vote in person, a number that could potentially impact the election. What do Israelis vote about? In a country that has been through years of war, security and accountability are powerful electoral forces. But opinion polls suggest the cost of living is also a leading concern for many voters particularly for younger ones. According to the latest Channel 12 poll, 21% of Israelis rank the economy and the cost of living as their top priority in the coming election ahead of the ultra-Orthodox conscription with 17%, the October 7 failure at 14% and the war with Iran at 10%. The picture differs sharply by political bloc: among voters of Netanyahus coalition the war with Iran ranks first at 21%, while among opposition voters, the October 7 failure leads at 28%. A September survey by the Achord research center at Hebrew University found that 58% of voters aged 22-34 year olds said cost of living and housing prices would drive their vote, while 36% cited security issues. Despite these figures, the economy has not been a central theme in the campaign topic until this weekend, when Netanyahu moved it to the top of the agenda. In an interview to Channel 10 focused on the economy, Netanyahu addressed the wave of international condemnation of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and said Israel should prepare for possible international banking sanctions by developing an economy that can circumvent them. He said crypto currency and blockchain are being considered, and he had requested a plan to deal with it. The interview sparked harsh criticism of Netanyahu by economists, including a rare rebuke from the Bank of Israel, who publicly rejected the idea, which said that cryptocurrencies cannot serve as a means of circumventing sanctions. Netanyahus main rivals portrayed his proposal as evidence he expects Israel to become more isolated. Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahus main challenger, mocked the idea as BibiCoin and called it a threat to national security, accusing Netanyahu of planning to dismantle the Israeli economy for generations ahead. How might October 7 and the war in Gaza shape the vote? Netanyahu built his political career as a security hawk, yet he was prime minister on October 7, when Hamas infiltrated the Israeli border, killing more than 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. He has resisted taking personal responsibility and has rejected demands to establish a state commission of inquiry to investigate the security failures. His opponents have made that lack of accountability a central campaign theme. Israeli soldiers look across to northern Gaza from a viewpoint on the Israeli side of the border on August 13, 2025. - Amir Levy/Getty Images The war has also shaped Eisenkots personal story. His son Gal, 25, was killed fighting in Gaza in December 2023, a loss that reinforces his appeal to voters focused on security. Other party lists have recruited bereaved families and relatives of former Israeli hostages as candidates. Opposition parties have also added new reservist candidates, fresh from fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, pushing the issue of military service to the top of the election agenda. Most Jewish Israelis over 18 are subject to conscription, but ultra-Orthodox men have long enjoyed a blanket exemption for religious study. Netanyahus ultra-Orthodox coalition partners have sought to preserve and expand the exemption, even as the Israeli military says it is missing more than 12,000 personnel while being stretched by multi-front fighting. Reservists fill the gap, serving up to hundreds of days a year on repeated deployments. All the opposition parties have made universal service a central campaign pledge. What does the election mean for the Palestinians? The outgoing government was among the most hardline on Palestinian issues in Israels history, driven largely by two far-right nationalist party leaders. Smotrich, the finance minister, who also oversees civil administration in the occupied West Bank, pushed to expand settlements dramatically, while withholding tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority (PA), which critics say could bring its economic collapse. Ben-Gvir, the national security minister, championed a death penalty law in the Knesset, toughened conditions for Palestinian prisoners, and weakened police enforcement against Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. Both opposed ending the Gaza war, both are advocating for Israeli settlements in Gaza, and both envision full annexation of and Jewish control over the West Bank. Members of Israeli forces block a road, preventing Palestinians from harvesting olives in the West Bank village of Deir Jarir on Wednesday. - Leo Correa/AP If Netanyahu returns to power with his current partners, that approach is likely to continue and intensify. Smotrich wants to cancel the Oslo Accords, dismantle the Palestinian Authority, and go to war in the West Bank. Ben-Gvir, who has said he will demand the defense ministry in a new government, has called for Palestinian emigration from Gaza and the West Bank. An opposition government would probably not represent a radical ideological reversal, and would change the tone more than the substance. Eisenkot, like Netanyahu, has rejected Palestinian statehood, and any opposition coalition would include right-wing parties resistant to any concession. Still, a government not dependent on Ben- Gvir and Smotrich would likely act more forcefully against settler violence, drop open advocacy of emigration and PA collapse, and be more responsive and receptive to US and regional initiatives in Gaza and elsewhere. But it would inherit the same unresolved questions: how to disarm Hamas, who rebuilds Gaza, and who restores law and order in the West Bank. What does it mean for the rest of the world? The wars in Gaza and Lebanon, the conflict with Iran and the surge in settler violence have left Israels diplomatic standing at its weakest point in decades. Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court warrant alleging war crimes in Gaza, and he avoids traveling to most European countries because of the risk of being arrested. US President Donald Trump endorsed him ahead of the vote, but the picture in the wider American public is much less friendly. A March 2026 Pew Research Center poll found 60% of US adults surveyed held an unfavorable view of Israel, and 59% had little or no confidence in Netanyahu to do the right thing regarding global affairs. Pews Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey pointed the same way, with majorities in most of the 36 countries it covered holding unfavorable views of Israel and its prime minister. A road sign stands in front of a large billboard featuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and Gadi Eisenkot, in Ramat Gan on Tuesday. - Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images The shift has been sharpest in Western Europe, where several countries including the United Kingdom, France and Canada have recognized a Palestinian state and imposed sanctions and trade restrictions on Israeli settlements and individuals and entities linked to settler violence. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been personally sanctioned and are facing travel bans from multiple Western countries. If Netanyahus government is re-elected, that international pressure will likely grow. A government led by Eisenkot or another opposition figure might see some easing of tensions, at least at first. Firmer action on settler violence could open a window to restore warmer ties with some European governments and the US Democratic party. But it is not likely to reverse the broader trend. The main opposition contenders are not expected to overhaul Israels security and foreign policy, so a new government would regain some diplomatic breathing room, but not a clean slate. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This article originally appeared on CNN at https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/25/middleeast/israel-election-2026-whats-at-stake-intl
Iran says messages are still being passed to US amid war concerns, and other Mideast news
Jerusalem, Oct 26: As concerns rise about a return to an all-out Iran war ahead of crucial elections in the United States and Israel, Iran said messages are still being passed to the US and Tehran remains open to diplomacy. And US President Donald Trump said there would not be a strike against the Islamic Republic today. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross has begun receiving lists again of Palestinian detainees from the occupied West Bank and Gaza after the Israeli Supreme Court ordered the government to resume sharing them. Here is the latest news from the Middle East on Sunday. Read our full coverage here. Iran says messages are still passed to the US via intermediaries Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, said Tehran has not closed the window of diplomacy and messages are being passed to the US via intermediaries. Negotiations over the war have appeared to stall for weeks. State media said Baghaei spoke in an interview with a German broadcaster. He said the US appears to persist in unilateral demands and that Trump and US officials repeatedly use the phrase complete surrender, which Baghaei said no Iranian accepts. Concerns are rising among Iranians about a possible return to all-out war as Israel and the US face elections in the coming days. Trump says no strike against Iran today Asked if he planned to launch an attack on Iran, Trump initially suggested that he would be foolish to telegraph that. But Trump then added: No. There will not be a strike today. At the same time, the head of the US Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper, was flying over the Strait of Hormuz and asserting that over 3,000 commercial vessels have transited the waterway with US military support over the last six months. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his warning that Iran or its proxies could attack ahead of Tuesday's close elections to disrupt the vote, citing intelligence. The (military) is ready both to defend and to strike, he said in a video statement, adding: You will suffer disproportionate blows far greater than you can imagine. Israeli broadcaster reports Netanyahu confrontation over Iran Netanyahu and his military chief of staff have had a confrontation over a political directive related to Iran shortly before Israel's close election, a local broadcaster reported Sunday night. The Channel 12 report caused alarm among some Israelis including Netanyahu's chief rival in Tuesday's election, Gadi Eisenkot, who said on X he backed the chief of staff, Eyal Zamir. The outcry reflected concerns some have raised in Israel that Netanyahu, who could lose power after being the country's longest-serving prime minister, might be eager to attack Iran ahead of the vote in an effort to stay in office. Netanyahu described the Channel 12 report as nonsense during an appearance on another broadcaster, Channel 14. There was no immediate military comment. The Channel 12 report did not say what exactly the Iran-related directive was. In recent days, the prime minister has asserted the need to topple Iran's leadership. Red Cross receives list of Palestinians in prison in Israel The International Committee of the Red Cross has begun receiving lists again of Palestinian detainees from the West Bank and Gaza, a spokesperson confirmed. The Israeli Supreme Court earlier this year ordered the government to resume sharing such lists and allowing the ICRC to visit detainees in Israeli prisons to assess their conditions. The government had suspended both practices since the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attacks and the start of the war in Gaza. ICRC spokesperson Gilad Grossman said Israel had not yet allowed prison visits to begin again but we hope that we will resume in the near future. Israel rounded up thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza after the Oct. 7 attacks. Some were released in last year's ceasefire, but around 9,000 are still imprisoned or detained under harsh conditions. Riyadh international airport reopens as Houthi attacks persist King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh said it opened terminals 1 and 2 for domestic and international flights, but Iran-backed Houthis in neighboring Yemen again fired drones and missiles toward the Saudi capital. Saudi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and a drone fired toward Riyadh. The Houthis claimed the attack. In early October, Houthi strikes hit an airport complex housing two other terminals, killing 17 people and wounding over 330. 2 wounded by debris from interceptions in Saudi Arabia Saudi authorities said debris from the interception of two ballistic missiles in Khamis Mushait and Ahad Rafida governorates wounded two people, a Saudi citizen and a resident from an unspecified Asian country. The Civil Defense said the missiles were launched by the Houthis in Yemen, and the debris also damaged three buildings and seven vehicles. The Houthi rebels later claimed attacks that included King Khalid air base in Khamis Mushait, calling them a response to Saudi aggression against Yemen's rebel-held capital of Sanaa. The AP could not independently verify the claims. Late Sunday, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government accused the Houthis of targeting displacement camps in Ras Imran on the outskirts of Aden with three ballistic missiles, without providing details. There were no reports of casualties. The Houthis did not immediately comment. Palestinian officials say Israeli strikes killed 7 in Gaza Israeli strikes in Gaza killed seven people, according to Palestinian hospital officials. Two strikes in Gaza City killed four people, and two brothers were killed in the southern city of Khan Younis. One person was killed in the central town of Deir al-Balah. The deaths were confirmed by officials from Shifa, Hamad, Nasser and Al-Aqsa hospitals, as well as an American field hospital. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. A year since a ceasefire began, Israel continues to bombard Gaza in what it says are strikes against militant targets. More than 1,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants but says women and children make up nearly half of those killed. Pope calls for an end to fighting in Yemen Pope Leo XIV urged an end to the fighting in Yemen and warned of worsening conditions for more than 1 million residents of Taiz besieged by Houthi rebels. The population is suffering from a lack of food, water and medical care, the pope wrote on social media. Families have begun rationing water and a shortage of groceries has sent prices soaring in the country's third-largest city.
97.28% of students who passed out Class XII in 2025-26 in Salem enrolled for higher education
Heavy rain lashes Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts
Residents demand opening of newly-constructed crematoriumat Ward 34 in Salem city
INDIA Bloc finalises UP seat-sharing formula: SP MP
Ballia: Lok Sabha MP from Salempur Ramashankar Rajbhar Vidyarthi on Saturday, October 24, claimed that the seat-sharing formula for the INDIA bloc has been finalised. He further stated that the Samajwadi Partys election manifesto will be released on November 26. Speaking to PTI at his residence in Belthara Bazar village on Saturday evening, Rajbhar said, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Officials misguiding the Chief Minister on projects affecting environment, alleges PMK
Sowmiya Anbumani, floor leader of the PMK in the T.N. Assembly, inspects the land at Jagir Ammapalayam in Salem Corporation, where a waste-to-energy project has been proposed
Pollachi MP seeks restoration of Coimbatore-Salem MEMU services
DVAC seize unaccounted cash from governmentoffices in Salem and Namakkal
DVAC seize unaccounted cash from governmentoffices in Salem and Namakkal
Salem district registers 164.10 mm of rainfall
DCPO Salem Support Person Recruitment 2026
District Child Protection Office, Salem (DCPO Salem) has released Notification No. 695/2026 for the recruitment of 8 Support Person posts. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications from 16 October 2026 to 02 November 2026. Further details are available at salem.nic.in.
'Rush To Shelters': Saudi Capital On Red Alert; Houthis Launch Series Of Missiles Toward Riyadh
Houthis target Saudi Arabia again! Saudi air defences have intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh, according to the Saudi-led coalition. The incident triggered emergency warnings across Riyadh, Najran and Wadi al-Dawasir before authorities declared the danger had passed.The coalition also reported intercepting and destroying a drone over Saudi Arabias Eastern Province. Meanwhile, Houthi-affiliated media reported air strikes in Yemens Saada governorate, targeting al-Salem, Ketaf and al-Baqa districts.
Five held for stealing 550 kg of silver in Salem
Gunmen open fire inside a church in Jordan; 6 killed, 28 injured
Jerusalem: Gunmen opened fire inside a Greek Orthodox church during a funeral in Jordan on Friday, October 23, killing six people and wounding 28 others, the kingdoms law enforcement agency said. The shooting took place at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, about 180 kilometers (110 miles) south of the capital, Amman. Security services were Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Israeli army says 2 soldiers were killed in West Bank attack
Jerusalem: The Israeli army says two soldiers were killed in an attack in the occupied West Bank on Friday morning, October 23, that also left two suspected gunmen dead in violence that is likely to heighten political tensions and security concerns ahead of Israels parliamentary election next week. The army said two soldiers, Staff Sergeant Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Salem Corporation council meeting held peacefully; Mayorcancels three resolutions
Mayor announces that a resolution will be passed to suspend Deputy Mayor M. Saradha Devi for two months after a petition by a group of DMK councillors seeking action against her for allegedly disruptingthe council meeting held on August 28
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu visits Jerusalem market ahead of election
ON CAM: Glass Bottle Thrown Towards Netanyahus Convoy In Jerusalem; Deadly Shooting In West Bank
A glass bottle was thrown towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus motorcade during a campaign visit to Jerusalems Mahane Yehuda market, triggering an immediate response from police and security personnel. Video shows officers moving into the crowd as they attempt to identify the person who threw the object. Netanyahu was accompanied by his wife, Sara Netanyahu, and a heavy security detail. Meanwhile, first responders reported four people injured in a separate shooting attack in the southern West Bank, with two seriously wounded.#Netanyahu #BenjaminNetanyahu #Israel #Jerusalem #MahaneYehuda
Digital Desk | Jerusalem/New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and invited him to light a torch along with heroic Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on the country's Independence Day. During the phone call, PM Modi and Netanyahu also reviewed the sustained momentum in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the partnership between both countries. Received a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We reviewed the sustained momentum in our bilateral ties and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our partnership. We also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia and underscored the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region, PM Modi wrote on X after the phone call. Netanyahu said that PM Modi thanked him for the invitation and expressed India's readiness to cooperate with Israel in fighting terrorism. I spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light a torch together with the heroic Indian pilot on the Independence Day of the State of Israel. Modi thanked me for the invitation and said that on the ground and in the air, India and Israel fight terrorism together. He expressed his appreciation for the courageous and long-standing relationship between us, Netanyahu posted on X. Machchhar sustained severe injuries during an attack by the Omani co-pilot on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight on September 30. The co-pilot allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft, following which Machchhar fought him off and managed to unlock the cockpit door. The move allowed crew members and passengers to enter the cockpit and restrain the attacker, averting what could have been a major disaster. The flight was carrying more than 170 people. On October 3, Netanyahu held a telephonic conversation with Captain Smit Machchhar and hailed him as a rue hero of the people of India, Israel and the whole world. He invited Captain Smit Machchhar and PM Modi to light a celebratory flame on Israel's Independence Day. Captain, I want to invite you and my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light a celebratory flame on our next Independence Day. You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you're a hero of the entire world, Netanyahu told the Captain Machchhar. I wish you a very speedy and complete recovery, he added. The Israeli Prime Minister said the honour was usually reserved for his country's own citizens. However, he added, But I think here in this case, all the citizens of Israel will embrace you. They do now and they will then too. Netanyahu, who was told by the pilot how the attack unfolded in the cockpit, said he was amazed by his conduct. I'm amazed at your courage, at your coolness of judgment under impossible conditions, the Israeli Prime Minister said, adding that what the Captain did was remarkable and that it bordered on the miraculous. Netanyahu said the pilot had saved more than the lives of those on board. You saved so many souls. I think you saved something bigger. You saved the spirit of the world to realise that a brave pilot and brave passengers can overcome this evil, however threatening, however violent. It's something that is being justly hailed around the world, Netanyahu said. You're a hero of Israel. You're a hero of India. You're a hero of the entire world, he added. Inviting the Captain again towards the end of the conversation, Netanyahu said: So we hope to see you very soon in Israel. I look forward to seeing you here again. But under the circumstances, I think this will be a memorable and historic visit. Thank you for everything you did, the Israeli Prime Minister told the Indian pilot.
Salem receives moderaterainfall
Over 9,200 women SHGs receive 798.68 crore in loans in eight months: Salem District Collector
Man gets 21 years in jail for sexually assaulting daughter in Salem
For the first time in history, the Islamic holy city of Mecca was put on emergency alert because of a possible aerial attack as fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemens Houthi rebel group intensified. The alert although lifted immediately but it sparked outrage across the Muslim ummah and deepened the conflict roiling the region. It has also developed fractures within the much-talked-about Mecca pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey as Saudi Arabia turned to Israel for help after Islamabad backed out of the fight in self-interest. According to Israeli media reports, Israel and Saudi Arabia have held talks mediated by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) during which Saudi Arabia sought Israels help to defend itself against Houthi attacks through intelligence assistance as cited by The Jerusalem Post. Tel Aviv and Riyadh do not have formal ties as Saudi Arabia has not joined the Abraham Accords, saying that normalisation with Isreal requires a clear irreversible path towards Palestinian statehood. Despite all that, the report said Saudi Arabia had to seek Israels assistance focused on intelligence support to develop a broader picture of Houthi military deployments in the area and identify potential plans for future operations. Riyadhs decision came after Pakistan showed cold shoulder with regard to joining military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Pakistan said, the newly signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was still being firmed up and should not yet be viewed in terms of its operationalisation. The Dawn newspaper of Pakistan recently quoted Pakistans Foreign Office, saying that the possibility of Pakistani forces striking Houthi targets inside Yemen was at present only a hypothetical situation. The fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen represents the first major test of the mutual defence alliance that was signed between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, adding to a pre-existing pact between Islamabad and Riyadh. Under the arrangement, an armed attack on any one of the three countries is to be regarded as an attack on all. Pakistani officials reportedly worry the Houthi threat is more likely to draw Islamabad into a war with Iranian missile strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure were earlier this year. Reuters in July reported that Pakistani soldiers were deployed near the Saudi border with Yemen, increasing their direct exposure. Defense deals with Gulf nations have been a key part of Pakistans plans to boost its fledgling economy after years of crisis and have often been accompanied by parallel or subsequent talks about Gulf investments. However, Pakistan also relies on oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea routes that Iran and the Houthis have shown they can disrupt giving Islamabad reason to avoid alienating Tehran even as it deepens ties with the Gulf. Since July, Houthis have carried out attacks against Saudi military and energy infrastructure and have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea and around the strategically important Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, further raising concerns over security along the key maritime route against the backdrop of the wider conflict in the Middle East. Houthis, however rejected Saudis claim that the group launched a drone towards the holy city of Mecca, calling the allegation fabrications and lies and asserting that its operations target Saudi military and oil facilities away from Islamic holy sites. In a statement posted on Telegram, Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree called out the Al Saud regime of Saudi Arabia, calling the attempt a deception while denying that the rebel group posed a threat to the holy sites. Saree said Houthi operations were directed at its oil facilities and military bases, which are far removed from the sacred sites. The statement came after the Saudi-led coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca before it entered the prohibited airspace around the holy city. Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki described the incident as a hostile and terrorist act and said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a red line. Al-Malki said the incident was the second attempt to target Mecca, referring to a ballistic missile launch in July 2017. Rejecting Riyadhs account, Saree alleged that Saudi aircraft had carried out more than 450 airstrikes across several Yemeni provinces during the week. He said the strikes involved F-15 and Typhoon aircraft operating from Khamis Mushait and Taif and claimed they had caused civilian casualties. Saree also claimed that Houthi forces had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile. He further said Houthi forces conducted a defensive operation against two Saudi formations of F-15 and Typhoon aircraft searching for the wreckage of the aircraft, forcing them to retreat. Pakistans reluctance to provide military support to Saudi Arabia has exposed the weakness of its much-touted trilateral defence understanding with Turkey and Riyadh. By prioritising its own strategic and economic interests over an immediate military commitment, Islamabad has raised doubts about its willingness to honour the spirit of the agreement. Saudi Arabias reported outreach to Israel for intelligence assistance further underscores the limits of Pakistans security assurances. Ultimately, the crisis has revealed a widening gap between Pakistans defence promises and its readiness to act when those commitments are tested. Dr Sheikh Jamsheed has been awarded an International Honorary Doctorate in Social Work in recognition of his contributions.
Israeli authorities extended the six-month ban on Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, head of Jerusalems Supreme Islamic Council, prohibiting him from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. The extension order was handed to Sabris lawyer, banning the 87-year-old Palestinian cleric from entering the mosque till April 19, 2027, according to Quds Press. The decision represents the latest in a series Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Southern Railways Salem division has partnered with Blinkit to let passengers order essential items, including mobile chargers, personal care products, medicines and refreshments, through the app and collect them at designated points at selected railway stations during train halts.
Bollywood's Sordid History With The Underworld
Sunday's shooting incident targeting Tiger Shroff have rekindled memories of the film industry's dark past, when crime syndicates like Dawood Ibrahim's D-Company and Abu Salem's gang exerted significant influence through extortion, violence, and money laundering.
Apple Highlights Mac and iPad Use in Paris Design Exhibition
Apple has showcased four design projects created using its products for this year's Designers of Tomorrow exhibition in Paris. The exhibition explores the theme of presence through furniture and lighting. Architect Salem S. Charabi used a MacBook Pro to sketch and model a lantern, while designer Yoonjeong Lee used an iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil to develop ideas for a combined table and lamp. Isabel Rower used an iPhone to document her work and Keynote to experiment with visual ideas for a chair featuring ceramic bead fringe. Parafernalia founders Genki Matsumura and Sebastin Zorrilla used Procreate, Messages, and FaceTime to collaborate between Monterrey and Mexico City on a steel piece that opens into a table and stools. Now in its second year, the program is organized with Design Miami and curated by Rodman Primack. Apple's Molly Anderson helped select the participants as a member of the jury. The exhibition opened at Htel de Maisons on October 20. See Apple's full press release for more information. Tag: France This article, Apple Highlights Mac and iPad Use in Paris Design Exhibition first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
New study reveals the high financial value of privacy in legal proceedings
A new Management Science study provides rare real-world evidence that people are willing to give up thousands of dollars to prevent sensitive information about their health and income from becoming public. The research, developed over five years by an international team, has now also laid the foundation for a European research project led by Ehud Guttel of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Salem Corporation clears over 100 metric tonnes of excess waste in view of Ayudha Pooja
Five arrested for kidnapping youth in Salem
Five arrested for kidnapping youth in Salem
Transport Minister inspects special buses in Salem
Firing At Tiger Shroff Spotlights Multifaceted Bollywood-Underworld Relationship
In the 1990s, the gangsters belonging to mafias like Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan, Abu Salem and Arun Gawli acted as predators who preyed upon filmmakers.
Jerusalem, Oct 19: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that a future US president could be hostile towards Israel, calling for new alliances with countries such as India and those in Latin America to strengthen his country's position. Netanyahu made the remarks on Sunday during an event at which he presented his security doctrine, nine days before Israel's October 27 election. The remarks came hours before a strong endorsement he received from US President Donald Trump, who publicly expressed his support for Netanyahu's re-election bid days before the country goes to the polls. In two years, a President, man or woman, could come to power who is very hostile to Israel, Netanyahu said. How would you deal with that? How would you operate in relation to the United States? And beyond that, what solutions would be necessary?, he questioned. The Israeli Premier stressed that Israel must use the remaining years of Trump's presidency to strengthen its position while preparing for a potentially dramatic shift in American policy. First, we must do everything we can during these two years, and during the following two years, in the American arena, through good times and bad, he said. The second thing is to create other alliances. That is what I am working on now with many countries in our region and outside it. India is not a small country, and there are many others, the Israeli Prime Minister emphasised. He pointed to political developments in Latin America as another opportunity to expand Israel's network of allies. There is a major shift in Latin America, and there could be an enormous change in Brazil in just a few days, Netanyahu pointed out, adding, We must expand our pool of alliances and develop capabilities that make us valuable to everyone. Netanyahu has often evoked India and his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to argue that Israel is not isolated globally and to demonstrate his government's diplomatic successes. Countering issues of delegitimisation and alliances amid a prolonged war, Netanyahu, in May this year, in a much publicised statement, said that his country enjoys a unique relationship with huge power India where there is crazy love for Israel. Many analysts in Israel feel that the growing apathy among Democrats in the US results from poor choices Netanyahu made over the years. His relations with Democratic Party-led Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden were often tense, which he presented to his supporters as the courage of a strong leader willing to stand up against American Presidents to safeguard Israel's interests, the analysts believe. This has been a cornerstone of Netanyahu's election campaigns and a recipe for electoral success, they said. He is Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister. Gadi Eisenkot, the main challenger to the Israeli Prime Minister in the upcoming polls, sharply criticised the presentation, describing it as an empty political exercise rather than a serious national security strategy. Nine days before the election and three years after the gravest failure and disaster in Israel's history, with every war front still open, Netanyahu decided to present his 'security doctrine' to the public, Eisenkot said. Two hollow pages, full of slogans that have nothing whatsoever to do with a security doctrine, reveal more than anything the strategic vacuum Netanyahu has left the State of Israel in and his disregard for the security of Israeli citizens, he asserted. Eisenkot, a former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces, accused Netanyahu of attempting to manipulate public opinion and spread fear ahead of the election. This is Netanyahu's method: manipulating perceptions, frightening people and trying to divert attention from the parade of lies and racism surrounding his campaign tonight, he said.
Seven arrested for abducting man in Salem
Seven arrested for abducting man in Salem
Heavyrain lashes Salem, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri districts
Uthangarai registered the highest amount of rainfall, 75.80 mm, followed by 55 mm in Pambar Dam
Miedler-Oberleitner win Shanghai Masters doubles title without dropping a set
Digital Desk | Shanghai, Oct 18 (IANS) Austrian pair Lucas Miedler and Neil Oberleitner claimed the biggest title of their newly formed partnership on Sunday, defeating Francisco Cabral and JJ Tracy 6-3, 6-4 tp clinch the Shanghai Masters doubles crown. The Austrian duo completed an unbeaten campaign at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, winning all five matches without conceding a set. Playing inside Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Miedler and Oberleitner needed 66 minutes to secure the championship, breaking their opponents once in each set to seal the victory. Moreover, Miedler and Oberleitner became the first all-Austrian pairing to win a title in the Masters 1000 series, which began in 1990. Their success in Shanghai came in only their second tournament together. After reaching the quarter-finals in Tokyo, the pair carried that momentum into China and produced a title-winning performance that exceeded their initial expectations. I think if you never won a 1000 before, you cannot expect it to happen in the second week of our new partnership. The idea was to play well together. I mean, that it works after Tokyo and second tournament in Shanghai here is unbelievable. We knew that our game styles matched, that it could work. That it works like this is just simply unbelievable, the 30-year-old Miedler was quoted by ATP. The final also highlighted the effectiveness of the Austrians serving, as they gave Cabral and Tracy no opportunities to break. According to ATP Stats, Miedler and Oberleitner won 96 per cent of points behind their first serves and did not face a single break point in their first ATP Head2Head meeting with the Portuguese-American combination. For Miedler, the Shanghai crown became the most significant of his 14 ATP Tour doubles titles. Oberleitner, meanwhile, added another milestone to his career, securing his second tour-level doubles trophy after winning the Winston-Salem title in August alongside Petr Nouza. The victory was particularly meaningful for the 27-year-old Oberleitner, who expressed his delight at translating his ability into success on one of the sports biggest stages. With the partnership already delivering a Masters 1000 title in its second tournament, the Austrian said he was eager to build on the achievement. Its surreal. The feeling is crazy. Like Lucas said, we knew we were going to play good together, and of course you never know, but you have a feeling. That it works in the second week obviously is great for us, and Im excited what comes next. Obviously we try to keep it going and work on our game, improve, improve. It means a lot to me that I can show it on the big stage. I feel like I had it in me, but to show it and to have this title is unbelievable, the 27-year-old Oberleitner reflected.
Heavy rain forecast for 17 TN districts; NDRF team to be sent to Chennai
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 18 (IANS) Heavy rain is likely across 17 districts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, including Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, as persistent showers leave low-lying neighbourhoods in the state capital waterlogged and prompt preparations for possible rescue operations. The Meteorological Department attributed the rainfall to an atmospheric circulation over northern Tamil Nadu and adjoining southern coastal Andhra Pradesh. The weather system is expected to bring further rain to several northern, western and central districts. Besides Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, the districts likely to receive heavy rain on Sunday are Chengalpattu, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Salem, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai and Erode. The forecast comes as heavy showers continue in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Water has accumulated in low-lying areas of the capital, raising concerns over further inundation if the rainfall persists. Following heavy rain at six locations in Chennai on Saturday, a National Disaster Response Force team is being sent to the city as a precautionary measure. The personnel will be drawn from the forces battalion at Nagarikuppam, near Arakkonam. The deployment is intended to strengthen preparedness for rescue operations during heavy rain and flooding. Precautionary arrangements have been initiated to enable an emergency response should conditions worsen. The Meteorological Department has also forecast heavy rain across a wider stretch of the state on Monday, with several coastal and interior districts expected to receive showers. The districts covered by Mondays heavy rain forecast include Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Thoothukudi, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur and Perambalur. Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is also likely in Tiruchirappalli, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli on Monday, according to the department. The two-day outlook indicates that rain could affect both the northern districts already experiencing showers and parts of the Cauvery delta and southern Tamil Nadu. Chennai and its neighbouring districts feature in the forecasts for both days. With waterlogging already reported in the capital, the planned NDRF deployment forms part of preparations to respond to any deterioration in conditions. The team is expected to support rescue efforts if heavy rain triggers flooding. The immediate focus remains on preparedness in Chennai, while the forecast for Monday extends the area of concern to additional districts along the coast and across the states interior regions.
Egypt Holds Major Live-Fire Drills As Sisi Vows To Defend Saudi Arabia Amid Yemen War Tensions
Egypt has released footage of large-scale live-fire military exercises as regional tensions escalate and the threat to Saudi Arabia grows. The drills involved Egypts Second Field Army, showcasing tanks, artillery, missile systems, air defence units, fighter jets, naval forces and paratroopers in simulated combat operations. Egyptian Defence Minister Ashraf Salem Zaher attended the main phase of the exercises, which tested combat capabilities and operational readiness. The military manoeuvres come after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi pledged to protect Saudi Arabias security amid missile and drone attacks attributed to Yemens Houthi forces. Sisi also called for an end to the Yemen conflict. Reports indicate he has sought an emergency parliamentary session to authorise possible military action in defence of the kingdom.
Heavy rain lashes Salem district; one dies in lightning strike
Three steal combine harvester, mini van in Salem; one held
Flyover works begin at Kitchipalayam, Erumapalayam junctions on Salem-Ulundurpet NH
Daily Quiz | On Salem witch trials
The Salem witch trials remain one of the most infamous episodes in history. Test your knowledge of the accusations, trials and executions that exposed the dangers of mass hysteria, religious fanaticism and judicial injustice.
Orange alert in six Tamil Nadu districts as Northeast Monsoon brings widespread rain
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 17 (IANS) Six districts in Tamil Nadu have been placed under an orange alert for Saturday, with the weather department forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall as the northeast monsoon brings widespread showers across the state. Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Villupuram, the Nilgiris and Coimbatore are likely to receive the most intense rainfall. The department attributed the prevailing wet conditions to an atmospheric disturbance over the Tamil Nadu region following the onset of the monsoon. The forecast also indicates heavy rain across several other districts, including Chennai and neighbouring Chengalpattu. Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Tiruppur, Vellore and Kallakurichi are among the districts expected to receive heavy showers during the day. Heavy rainfall has also been predicted for Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur in the delta region, along with Erode, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Salem. The forecast points to wet weather across a broad stretch of northern, western and southern Tamil Nadu. The weather centre has separately forecast spells of strong rain accompanied by gusty winds in Ramanathapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Cuddalore, Karur, Perambalur and Ariyalur. Moderate rainfall, together with strong winds, is likely in the remaining parts of the state. The latest warning comes as rainfall has become widespread in several districts following the arrival of the northeast monsoon. While six districts face the possibility of heavy to very heavy showers on Saturday, the department expects rainfall to continue in parts of the state on Sunday. The Nilgiris is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Sunday as well, placing the hill district among the areas facing intense showers on consecutive days. Heavy rain is also forecast on Sunday in Coimbatore, Erode, Namakkal, Ranipet, Tiruvallur and Tirupattur. Coimbatore, Ranipet and Tiruvallur therefore feature in the rainfall warnings for both days, although Saturdays forecast indicates the possibility of greater intensity in these districts. The two-day outlook indicates that the rainfall pattern will vary across Tamil Nadu, with the strongest showers concentrated in selected districts and more moderate rain elsewhere. For Chennai, heavy rain is forecast for Saturday, while the warning for neighbouring Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram includes the possibility of very heavy rainfall. The departments district-specific forecast highlights the uneven intensity of the monsoon showers, even as wet and windy conditions are expected across much of Tamil Nadu through the day, with further rainfall predicted in several districts on Sunday.
Israeli Settlers Attack American Journalist In West Bank; Washington Post Photographer Hospitalised
Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was injured during an attack by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villagers harvesting olives in Abu Falah in the West Bank. Reuters witnesses reported that around 80 settlers descended on the olive groves, burning trees and hurling stones. Israeli troops later arrived and fired tear gas, while gunfire was also heard. Levine was taken to hospital in Ramallah after Palestinian colleagues intervened to help her.The US Embassy in Jerusalem condemned the violence and called for investigations, arrests and convictions of those responsible. It said the Trump administration was monitoring the situation and prioritised the safety of Americans. The Washington Post also condemned the attack, saying Levine was recovering after receiving treatment and demanding a thorough investigation.
Qatar, 18 nations condemn Colombia opening embassy in Jerusalem
Doha: Qatar has joined Saudi Arabia and 17 other Arab and Islamic countries in condemning Colombias decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, saying the move violates United Nations Security Council resolutions and undermines efforts to achieve a two-state solution. In a joint statement issued on Friday, October 16, the foreign ministers of the 19 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
'In Bad Taste': Madras High Court Slams Use Of Children In Vijay's Poll Campaign
Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy made the observations while allowing an application by TVK MLA K Sivakumar seeking rejection of an election petition challenging his victory from the Salem North Assembly constituency.
Salem and Namakkal districts register moderate rainfall
Salem and Namakkal districts register moderate rainfall
Cab driver in Salem rams two-wheelers of acquaintances after drunken brawl
Israeli military says killed Hamas Commander in Gaza City
Digital Desk | Jerusalem, Oct 14 (IANS) The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Wednesday that it had killed a Hamas commander in an airstrike in Gaza City. The commander, identified as Momen Ahmad Salameh Ay, allegedly held Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza City and served as an aide to commanders of Hamas's Gaza Brigade. According to the Israeli military, he had recently advanced attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians and attempted to restore Hamas's capabilities. The IDF said it had taken steps to minimize civilian casualties ahead of the airstrike, which was carried out Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. In a separate statement, the IDF said infantry soldiers operating in the village of Kfar Shouba in southern Lebanon had located a ready-to-detonate explosive device, a Hezbollah position, and additional weapons used by the group. On Friday, the IDF said in a statement that it had killed three militants in Gaza City. The IDF said two of the men were identified as Hassam Walid Hassan Abu Al-Ata, allegedly a commander in the rocket unit of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's military wing, and Magdi Moein Yousef Al-Ayoubi, also a member of the group's military wing. The third was identified as Muhammad Aja, a company commander in Hamas' military wing, it added. According to the IDF, the militants, killed in aerial strikes on Thursday, had recently advanced attacks against Israeli soldiers and worked to restore the capabilities of the two groups. In a separate statement, the IDF and the Shin Bet domestic security agency said they had dismantled four weapons storage facilities belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad across the Gaza Strip. The facilities contained dozens of weapons and other military equipment, including rockets, explosive devices, mortars, and Kalashnikov rifles, the statement said. /as
Colombia opens embassy in Jerusalem, restores free trade deal with Israel
Colombia
Heavy rain forecast for four TN districts today
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 14 (IANS) Heavy rain is likely in four southern districts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai said, as a low-pressure system persists over the southwest Bay of Bengal. Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari are expected to receive heavy rainfall during the day. The weather system, described in the bulletin as extending from the central Bay of Bengal towards the southwest Bay, is influencing rainfall across parts of the state. The forecast also indicates moderate rain in several northern, coastal, central and western districts on Wednesday, with Chennai among the areas likely to receive showers. Some parts of the capital could experience moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Chennais maximum temperature is expected to reach around 34 degrees Celsius. The forecast points to rainfall in some localities rather than uniform conditions across the city, with thunderstorms possible alongside the showers throughout the day, according to the weather centre. Other districts identified for moderate rainfall include Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam and Pudukkottai. Rain is also expected in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Perambalur and Ariyalur. The rainfall outlook for Thursday covers a wider geographical area, with heavy showers forecast in parts of southern Tamil Nadu, the western belt and several districts in the central region. The hilly areas of Tenkasi and Tirunelveli are among the locations expected to receive heavy rain. Kanyakumari, Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris are also included in Thursdays heavy-rain forecast. Further inland, the districts of Erode, Salem, Namakkal and Karur could receive heavy showers, according to the outlook. The forecast extends to Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Pudukkottai and Nagapattinam, indicating that rainfall activity could affect both inland districts and sections of the coastal belt on Thursday. The two-day outlook shows a shift from heavy rainfall concentrated in four southern districts on Wednesday to a broader spread of heavy showers on Thursday. Meanwhile, moderate rainfall is expected across several other parts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. For Chennai, the immediate forecast remains moderate rain with possible thunder and lightning in some areas. Elsewhere, the intensity of rainfall is expected to vary by district, with the southern districts facing the principal heavy-rain spell on Wednesday and a larger group of districts included in the following days weather outlook.
Three die in separate accidents in Salem
Three die in separate accidents in Salem
Mangalam Falls gets new access road
The 1.1-km road from Chinnamangalam has been laid at a cost of 2.09 crore under the CMs Rural Road Scheme 2025-26 by Gangavalli Panchayat Union in Salem district
550 Kg of Silver Worth Rs 13 Cr Robbed from Shop in Salem
The robbers entered the shop through the stairs behind the building. They packed the silverware and bars from the shop and the warehouse and decamped within minutes
Mayfair Witches: Salem Coven: Watch the Official trailer from english Web series 'Mayfair Witches: Salem Coven' starring Alexandra Daddario. Mayfair Witches: Salem Coven is produced by Esta Spalding and Thomas Schnauz. To know more about Mayfair Witches: Salem Coven, watch the video. Check out the latest english trailer, new series trailer, trending english series trailer, Alexandra Daddario's videos at Etimes - Times of India Entertainment.
VAO, assistant arrestedfor bribery in Salem
26 passengers injured in accident in Salem
BIS organises Standards Conclave 2026 in Salem
Burglars steal 600 kg of silver bars, articles from trader in Salem
The stolen articles were worth 15 crore
Rain, gusty winds forecast in TN; Northeast monsoon likely to begin around October 15
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 12 (IANS) Moderate rain is likely in parts of Tamil Nadu on Monday, with the weather department forecasting thunderstorms and gusty winds across several districts, even as northern interior areas may experience temperatures above normal. The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Madurai and Salem are among the districts where moderate rainfall is expected during the day. A weather department bulletin also indicated the possibility of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds at one or two places across a wider belt of the State. The districts covered by this forecast are the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Madurai, Sivaganga, Salem and Tiruppur. Wind speeds in affected areas could reach 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, according to the bulletin. Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, as well as in Puducherry and Karaikal, light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely at some places. The forecast points to varying rainfall conditions across the region, with moderate showers expected in selected districts and lighter rainfall in other areas. Despite the prospect of showers, maximum temperatures at some locations in northern interior Tamil Nadu could remain two to three degrees Celsius above normal. Temperatures elsewhere in the state, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to stay close to their usual levels, the department said. Chennai is likely to have partly cloudy skies. The citys maximum temperature is expected to range between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could settle between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, weather observer Pradeep John, a member of the El Nino Impact Study Group, has indicated that the northeast monsoon could begin next Thursday. His prediction comes as attention turns to the development of atmospheric conditions that could support the seasonal rains over Tamil Nadu. In a post on X, John said an atmospheric circulation moving towards the region adjoining Tamil Nadu was likely to create favourable conditions for the monsoons onset. His assessment concerns the possible arrival of the northeast monsoon, while the weather departments bulletin outlines the immediate outlook for rainfall, winds and temperatures. The Thursday onset remains a prediction rather than an officially confirmed onset date. For Monday, the main forecast is for scattered thunderstorms, gusty winds and differing rainfall intensity, alongside warmer conditions in parts of the northern interior.
Delhi To New York: Why Are People Taking To The Streets? 6 Cities, 6 Protests, One Pattern
Delhi, New York, Madrid, Valencia, Buenos Aires, Paris and Jerusalem have all witnessed protests driven by very different grievances from elections and housing to jobs, schools, immigration enforcement and military conscription.These are not one movement, one ideology or one political camp. But look beneath the individual flashpoints and a broader pattern emerges: economic insecurity, frustration with institutions and a growing feeling that decisions affecting everyday lives are being made without public consent.So why are people taking to the streets at almost the same time? And what connects protests that, politically, have almost nothing in common?
'A hero to India, Israel and the world': Israeli President honours flydubai captain Smit Machchhar
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has invited flydubai captain Smit Machchhar to Jerusalem to receive Israel's highest civilian award for heroism, recognising his courage in fighting off an attack by his co-pilot mid-air and averting a potential hijacking.
Israeli President Honors Captain Smita Machhar for Heroic Actions
Israeli President Isaac Herzog commends Captain Smita Machhars bravery in safely landing a flight, inviting her to Jerusalem for recognition. Israeli President Honors Captain Smita Machhar for Heroic Actions
Attempt to lay siege to Salem railway station
An archaeological excavation at Thelunganur near Salem, Tamil Nadu, has uncovered a 3,200-year-old bowl bearing five graffiti symbols, potentially offering clues to early writing systems. The site has also yielded iron weapons, a possible steel sword and skeletal remains, helping researchers study Iron Age life and the origins of Tamil-Brahmi.
Minister inaugurates services of 28 new BS6 buses in Salem city
Salem (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 9: Vetrivel Explosives Limited, an integrated manufacturer of industrial explosives, explosive accessories and blasting systems, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus with the EMERGE
Israel drastically reduces British diplomatic presence in Jerusalem
The move comes after Israel ordered the closure of the consulate in September as retaliation after London-led Western sanctions over violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank
Indian Envoy emphasises shared responsibility of confronting terrorism at conference in Israel
Digital Desk | Jerusalem, Oct 8 (IANS) Ambassador of India to Israel, JP Singh, on Thursday emphasised the shared responsibility of confronting terrorism together at a conference organised by Israels Defence and Security Forum, the Embassy said on Thursday. Ambassador JP Singh delivered the keynote address at a conference organised by Israels Defence and Security Forum on October 07. Paying tribute to the victims of the October 07 terror attack, he emphasised the shared responsibility of confronting terrorism together, the Embassy stated on X. Highlighting both ongoing and emerging areas of cooperation under the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership, the Ambassador invited Israel to join Indias growth journey, it added. He also participated in a panel discussion titled A New Regional Order: A Discussion with Diplomats, organised by the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at Reichman University. On October 07, Ambassador JP Singh participated in a panel discussion titled A New Regional Order: A Discussion with Diplomats, held as part of the World Summit on Counter-Terrorism organised by the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at Reichman University, the Embassy stated on X. Speaking on the current geopolitical situation, he stressed that India believes, 'it is not an era of war,' and emphasised the need for peace and security in the region. He also underscored Indias firm resolve to fight terrorism, it added. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit a memorial candle at his office in Jerusalem to pay homage to the victims of the October 7 terror attacks led by Hamas. The Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed about 1,200 people and triggered a massive Israeli military campaign across Gaza. It subsequently expanded into fighting across the region. In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's office quoted Netanyahu as saying, Today, I lit a memorial candle at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, commemorating every victim murdered on the 7th of October by the monsters of Hamas. The nation unites on this day in the longing for our dear ones. We will complete the mission: we have settled the score and will continue settling the score with all the murderers, he added.
Palestine factions could postpone elections amid Israeli complications, internal feud
Palestinian factions are contemplating a delay in the upcoming legislative elections initially set for November 28. This potential postponement is attributed to logistical challenges in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem and Gaza following the recent war. President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah party is part of discussions regarding the election timing and national consensus. The European Union has offered to deploy observers for the legislative elections.
Salem Mayor claims DMK councillors tried to attack him
Organ harvested from brain-dead man in Salem
Salem Railway Division collects 14.38 crore through ticket-checkingdrives in six months
'Until The Liberation Of...': Iran Reveals its ULTIMATE WAR GOAL In Battle Against Israel & U.S.
Irans top military leadership says Tehran will continue supporting the so-called Axis of Resistance until what it describes as the liberation of al-Quds, or Jerusalem.Marking the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Major General Ali Abdollahi portrayed the Hamas-led assault as a turning point that shifted the Resistance Front toward a more offensive strategy and vowed continued Iranian backing for Palestinian and allied groups.
UK consulate ends ops in occupied Jerusalem, to aid Palestinians
Jerusalem: Most diplomats have left the UK consulate after it ended operations in occupied East Jerusalem, Israel said on Thursday, October 8, while Britain maintained that its mission will remain to work with the Palestinians. The UK consulate building in occupied Jerusalem will not shut down; instead, it will operate as the UK Mission from Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
What's happening with Britain's Jerusalem consulate?
Britain has decided to keep its nearly 200-year-old consulate in Jerusalem open under the new name UK Mission. This decision comes after Israel ordered the consulate's closure following Britain's announcement of sanctions on settlement goods. The consulate, established during the Ottoman Empire, mainly serves Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Jerusalems status remains contested internationally, with East Jerusalem considered occupied.
Britain removes East Jerusalem consulate signage as Israeli shutdown order expires
Workers removed signs and plaques at
Netanyahu Honors Victims of 2023 Hamas Attack with Candlelight Vigil
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pays tribute to victims of the 2023 Hamas attack, lighting a memorial candle in Jerusalem. Netanyahu Honors Victims of 2023 Hamas Attack with Candlelight Vigil
Israeli military says struck 1,00,000 Mideast targets since October 2023
Digital Desk | Jerusalem, Oct 8 (IANS) The Israeli military has said that it has struck about 100,000 targets across the Middle East since October 2023 and expanded its reserve forces by 36 per cent, outlining the scale of its operations on the conflict's third anniversary. The military on Wednesday (local time) said combat reserve units were serving an average of 80-100 days in 2026, compared with a planned average of about 55 days, attributing the increase to evolving operational needs. It said about 22,000 reservists previously released from service have been called back to duty following an August 2024 call-up order, reports Xinhua news agency. The target tally included about 65,000 in Gaza, 28,000 in Lebanon and Syria combined, 4,500 in Iran and 80 in Yemen. The military did not specify whether repeated strikes on the same site were counted. In the occupied West Bank, the military said it has detained about 45,000 people for questioning over three years, including people accused of throwing stones or possessing weapons and those suspected of planning attacks. It said it has confiscated more than 3,800 weapons since the war began. Over the three years, about 10,200 projectiles have been launched toward Israel from Gaza, 20,000 from Lebanon, 1,200 from Iran, 50 from Syria and 90 from Yemen, according to the military. The figures could not be independently verified. It said 970 Israeli soldiers have died during operations and more than 70 per cent of soldiers wounded during the war have returned to service. The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killed about 1,200 people and triggered a massive Israeli military campaign across Gaza that has killed, according to Gaza-based health authorities, more than 74,200 people. It subsequently expanded into fighting across the region.
Israeli PM pays homage to victims of Oct 7 terror attack, lights candles in memory
Digital Desk | Jerusalem, Oct 8 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit a memorial candle at his office in Jerusalem to pay homage to the victims of the October 7 terror attacks led by Hamas. The Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed about 1,200 people and triggered a massive Israeli military campaign across Gaza. It subsequently expanded into fighting across the region. In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's office quoted Netanyahu as saying, Today, I lit a memorial candle at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, commemorating every victim murdered on the 7th of October by the monsters of Hamas. The nation unites on this day in the longing for our dear ones. We will complete the mission: we have settled the score and will continue settling the score with all the murderers, he added. Meanwhile, families of those killed in the Hamas attack have been demanding an investigation into whether senior Israeli officials had received intelligence warnings in advance, as controversy over what leaders knew mounts less than a month before elections. Netanyahu rejected the claims of having received a warning regarding the attack. In a post on X, his statement read, Today, we all bow our heads in memory of the fallen and murdered on October 7. Sadly, on this painful day of all days, Channel 12 is broadcasting false political propaganda against Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Likud all day long, with the aim of toppling right-wing rule and paving the way for a left-wing government that will establish a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Netanyahu received no advance warning before October 7 about a Hamas attack from the Gaza Strip or by Hamas -- as testified by President Trump, President Biden's advisor Brett McGurk, the UAE government, the Egyptian government, and others, the statement further read. If Prime Minister Netanyahu had been updated in real time, everything would have looked different. It was Prime Minister Netanyahu who decided on a ground manoeuvre in Gaza and stood firm against the pressures from President Biden to settle for airstrikes, it added.
New Salem Police Commissioner prioritises action against drugs, corruption
Please Take Action, CM Sir!: Stalin slams TN CM Vijay over rising crime wave
DMK president MK Stalin on Wednesday hit out at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over what he termed a complete collapse of law and order in the state, highlighting a string of brutal murders and violent incidents reported within a single 24-hour span across the state. In a post on X, he compared the surging frequency of machete attacks to routine power cuts; Stalin alleged that a pervasive sense of fear now grips citizens from the capital city of Chennai to southern districts such as Madurai and Dindigul. Stalin cited several incidents reported during the past 24 hours in Chennai, Tiruttani, Salem, Dindigul and Madurai, among other places, and questioned whether the police were carrying out adequate patrolling and monitoring of known offenders. Stalin alleged that the incidents reflected a situation in which criminals were living fearlessly while ordinary citizens were being pushed into an atmosphere of insecurity. Among the incidents cited by him was the killing of Sathyaseel...
Chemical leak at dyeing unit leaves 50 people with breathing difficulties in Salem
