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Israel Tightens Grip on Palestinian Schools in East Jerusalem, Pushes Israeli Curriculum JERUSALEM: Israel is tightening its grip on Palestinian schools in East Jerusalem, where restrictions on teachers and pressure to adopt the Israeli curriculum are endangering Palestinian education. Denial of entry permits to teachers is among the most prominent restrictions. East Jerusalem, like the West Bank, is illegally occupied Palestinian territory, though Israel regards it as part of a unified Jerusalem under its control. Jamal Shalabi, a 66-year-old chemistry teacher from al-Bireh in the occupied West Bank, has taught in East Jerusalem since 1998, crossing Israeli checkpoints daily. He fears his permit will be revoked when it expires at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Permits were delayed in both January and September, triggering school strikes. He said restrictions tightened after the 2023 war on Gaza: teachers can no longer reach Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray or join students on field trips, since permits are strictly limited to the workplace. A report by Israeli rights group Ir Amim says the government plan, ostensibly meant to narrow socioeconomic gaps, also aims to raise the number of Palestinian students studying the Israeli curriculum. Roughly half the plan's education budget goes toward expanding its teaching, and adopting it is a precondition for opening new state-funded schools. The report also warns of a law barring Palestinian institutions from employing teachers with university degrees, likely to worsen existing teacher shortages. Students studying the Israeli curriculum numbered only in the hundreds 15 years ago, exceeded 10,000 by 2020, reached about 20,000 by 2024 and over 27,000 the next year, according to Palestinian officials. They estimate more than 45,000 in 2026-27, about 38 percent of the city's students. A principal who requested anonymity told Al Jazeera the policy extends to private and community schools, with threats of losing funding, financial support and operating licenses for refusing. He described classroom monitoring, searches of students' bags to confiscate Palestinian textbooks, interference in hiring principals and teachers, and targeting of students over social media posts through disciplinary committees and police summons. Ir Amim says East Jerusalem schools face a shortage of 2,283 classrooms, and even if the municipality's plans are fully implemented, about 1,100 will still be missing by 2032. The municipality puts the current shortfall at about 1,500, a figure Ir Amim disputes as based on outdated data. Ramadan Awad of the Jerusalem parents' committees union said some classes hold up to 42 students, and some schools operate from rented apartments or commercial buildings lacking yards, laboratories and rooms for extracurricular activities.

68 Million Tons of Rubble in Gaza Causing Environmental and Humanitarian Disaster: Palestinian Authority GAZA: The Palestinian Environment Quality Authority has warned that rubble in Gaza is causing an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe, in a statement marking the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. It said Israeli destruction has left between 61 and 68 million tons of debris across Gaza, including about 4 million tons of hazardous waste and at least 50,000 tons of asbestos, a carcinogenic fibrous material. The Authority said the war has destroyed 82 percent of Gaza's agricultural land, 97 percent of its olive and other fruit trees, and 84 percent of its water and sewage infrastructure. The collapse of sanitation systems means about 120,000 cubic meters (31.7 million gallons) of untreated sewage flows daily into streets and water basins. Since October 2023, the war has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians and wounded over 175,000. The Authority also documented 760 Israeli environmental attacks in the occupied West Bank from the start of 2026 through late September. Of these, 203 targeted farmland and natural resources, including bulldozing olive groves, building settlement roads and seizing Palestinian land. Another 178 targeted forests and vegetation, uprooting thousands of trees, among them nearly 100,000 olive trees, with losses estimated at $67 million. It further recorded 185 incidents involving waste and hazardous demolition debris, 52 attacks affecting food security and livestock, 37 targeting water sources and wells, 35 targeting water pipelines and irrigation networks, and five related to sewage systems. The Authority called on the international community to act to stop the violations and enable Palestinians to exercise control over and protect their natural resources.

Campaign Against Hakeem Jeffries as House Speaker Gains Steam, Petition Draws 666,000+ Signatures WASHINGTON: An online campaign against electing Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker of the House is gaining momentum in the United States. The petition has so far gathered 666,025 signatures. It urges Democratic members not to vote for Jeffries for Speaker when the new Congress convenes in January 2027. The petition was launched on September 3 by Nicole Whited on Change.org. It appeals to all new members of the 120th Congress to reject the current Democratic leader and choose another candidate. It states that Democrats "should get a choice" and calls for a competitive and transparent Speaker election process. The petition argues that the Speaker should represent Democratic voters rather than the party leadership. It urges lawmakers to review Jeffries' public record, policy positions, campaign donor record and leadership before voting. Other Democratic House members are encouraged to put themselves forward for the post, since the outcome has not yet been decided.

Paraguay's Major Digital Bank Collapses, Leaving Around 3 Million Customers Locked Out of Their Money ASUNCIÓN: Paraguay's central bank has taken control of Ueno Bank, a major digital lender, and begun winding down its normal operations after its financial troubles deepened. The collapse has cut roughly 3 million customers off from their accounts and deposits. Authorities say that equals about 60 percent of the country's adult population, in a nation of roughly 6.5 million people. On November 2, 2026, the central bank unanimously announced special proceedings against Ueno Bank. It said the bank's financial soundness and its capital adequacy ratio had fallen to less than half of the required minimum. Management was then handed to government officials, and the bank's mobile app, cards and other services were suspended. Customers were unable to immediately withdraw their money or transfer it to other accounts. Ueno Bank also held roughly $800 million to $850 million in public funds. Police officers have been stationed outside its head office.

Ilhan Omar Dances With Somali Women in Victory Celebration After Midterm Win WASHINGTON: Congresswoman Ilhan Omar performed a traditional dance with Somali women in Minneapolis after her decisive victory in the US midterm elections. Opponents had run a heavy propaganda campaign against her during the race. Traditional Somali songs were sung at the event, and participants celebrated with great enthusiasm. Videos of the celebration are going viral on social media, drawing praise from fans. The Democrat from Minnesota's 5th Congressional District defeated Republican candidate Don Nagel to win a fifth consecutive term. She has represented the district since 2019. Omar, who came to the US as a refugee from Somalia, has long been a target of President Donald Trump's anti-immigration criticism. Democratic women also made history in the midterms, with more than 100 elected to the House of Representatives for the first time. Winners include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Omar of Minnesota. Women also scored key gubernatorial wins, with Keisha Lance Bottoms of Georgia elected the first Black woman governor in US history.

Belgium Approves Home Searches for Suspected Undocumented Migrants Under Controversial Law BRUSSELS: Belgium's parliament on Friday morning approved a controversial law allowing police to enter the homes of suspected undocumented migrants who have ignored orders to leave the country. A majority of lawmakers passed it at around 5 a.m. local time after an overnight debate. The measure is part of Prime Minister Bart De Wever's right-wing coalition government's broader push to limit migrant arrivals and increase the removal of those denied the right to stay. Searches will be limited to the homes of people who have been refused asylum in Belgium, have ignored orders to leave, and are considered a threat to public safety. They will require the approval of an investigating judge and may take place only between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., in the presence of immigration officials. Human rights groups and lawyers have strongly opposed the law, arguing that allowing police into private homes for immigration enforcement risks undermining constitutional rights and privacy protections. Amnesty International urged lawmakers before the vote to reject it, warning that it could also affect people who help undocumented migrants. On Wednesday evening, about 3,000 people formed a human chain around Brussels' Palace of Justice, and Belgian media reported more than 50 other protests and gatherings in towns and cities nationwide. The government has defended the move as a tool for enforcing deportation orders against those deemed a threat to public order or national security.

Houthis Demand $51 Billion and Recognition as Yemen's Government to Halt Attacks on Saudi Arabia SANAA: Yemen's Houthi group has told Saudi Arabia that if Riyadh wants a deal to end the attacks, it must pay $51 billion and formally recognize the Houthis as Yemen's ruling authority. The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the talks, reported that Saudi Arabia had reached out to the Houthis to explore what kind of agreement might be possible. The contact came after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and the group's seizure of key areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. According to the report, the Houthis said the $51 billion demand was compensation for damage from Saudi airstrikes and a prolonged blockade. Other financial demands emerged later, but the core message was that Saudi Arabia would have to spend tens of billions of dollars to get out of the conflict. Fighting flared up again this summer, with the Houthis targeting Saudi oil facilities and airports and capturing more key territory in Yemen. They are now about 50 miles from Aden, the base of Yemen's internationally recognized government, reportedly their closest advance to the city since 2015. A senior analyst at conflict monitor ACLED said the Houthis launched near-daily attacks on Saudi Arabia in October, hitting civilian airports and Saudi Aramco facilities. Twenty-six attacks inside Saudi Arabia were reported in recent days. In Yemen's Shabwa province, a Houthi attack killed at least 75 people and wounded more than 200, the deadliest single incident since the civil war reignited. Experts told the Journal that sending more ground troops against the Houthis is a difficult decision for Riyadh. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly does not want to negotiate a full deal without further battlefield gains, though additional operations risk casualties and domestic backlash. Analysts say the Houthis' strong ground position and attacks on Saudi civilian and energy infrastructure could shake investor confidence. A US military expert also noted that Saudi Arabia has had to draw on its Patriot missile defense and other air defense assets to counter potential threats from Iran, Iraqi militias and the Houthis.

Students Take to Streets in Denmark Over Education Grant Cuts COPENHAGEN: Thousands of students marched from City Hall Square to Parliament in the Danish capital to protest the government's proposed cuts to education grants. Rejecting the plan, demonstrators chanted "Enough is enough" and carried placards demanding that student financial support be preserved and calling for a secure future for young people. According to student organizations, around 40,000 students at 57 educational institutions across the country also went on strike. Since 1970, Denmark has provided state education grants to school and university students over 18, regardless of their parents' income. Students living with their parents currently receive 1,154 Danish kroner per month, while those living independently receive 7,426 kroner. Under the government's proposal, grants would be eliminated for students whose parents earn more than 700,000 kroner a year, and reduced for those whose parents earn between 419,589 and 700,000 kroner. Denmark's Ministry of Higher Education says roughly 14,000 students would lose their grants entirely, while another 8,000 would see reduced support. Student leaders say Denmark's system is among the strongest in the world in terms of financial support for students, and that the cuts would make education harder for young people to access. The government says the money saved could be redirected to defense spending. The protest is part of a student movement that began in France and has spread to other European countries in recent weeks. Young people in France, Italy and Germany have also protested against inflation, rising housing costs and cuts to educational services.

Trump's Party in Turmoil After Midterm Defeat as Leadership Questions Mount WASHINGTON: Democrats have taken control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections, sending shockwaves through President Donald Trump's Republican Party. Losses in GOP strongholds such as Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Iowa, North Carolina and Ohio have created a serious leadership crisis. The question is no longer just how the Trump administration will function in Congress, but who will lead the party after him. Vice President JD Vance has long been seen as Trump's likely political heir. He campaigned hard for Republican candidates and raised funds for the Republican National Committee, but the defeat has weakened his own standing. Texas Senator Ted Cruz called the results a "blue tsunami" and a rejection on the scale of Watergate. He said the party did not lose because supporters stayed home, but because former Republican voters switched to Democrats. Cruz cited inflation, corruption, the Iran war and tariffs as the main causes of voter anger. Several Trump cabinet figures, and Trump himself, have acknowledged that the Iran war and inflation contributed to the loss. Senior party leaders are reportedly organizing against Trump and urging the leadership to make tough decisions if the party is to hold on to power. Meanwhile, with a House majority in hand, Democrats want to impeach War Secretary Pete Hegseth, which could deepen his troubles. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said a new dawn has broken in America. He said Americans are exhausted by inflation, soaring costs, rising child-care expenses and food prices, and cannot be made to wait another two years for relief. He stressed that voters want concrete action rather than empty promises.

Nationwide Strike and Protests Across France Force Eiffel Tower to Close to Tourists PARIS: The Eiffel Tower was closed to the public on Thursday as a nationwide strike hit France amid weeks of protests over rising living costs, economic inequality and conditions in schools. The monument's official website confirmed the closure. The strike disrupted services including schools and trains. According to the CGT, France's major labor union, more than 250,000 people had joined demonstrations in 73 cities by Thursday afternoon. The Interior Ministry said over 220 public protests were expected nationwide. The unrest began with student protests over deteriorating conditions in schools, joined by public anger over inflation and inequality, and erupted into riots on October 17, among the worst in France in recent years. The government is struggling to address the country's financial problems, and protests are intensifying as the election to choose President Emmanuel Macron's successor approaches, with far-right parties leading opinion polls. On Thursday morning, a high school near Toulouse was set on fire, while police in Lyon used tear gas to disperse a group of protesters. In Paris, high school students and other demonstrators blocked a street with garbage bins, leading to clashes with police. Authorities deployed roughly 70,000 police and gendarmerie officers nationwide to maintain order.

Mock Execution of Trump Staged in Tehran as Protesters Burn Banner of US, Israeli Leaders TEHRAN: Anti-US demonstrations have intensified in Iran's capital amid heightened tensions with Washington. At Tajrish Square, performers portrayed US President Donald Trump as a prisoner behind bars and then being led to the gallows, drawing large crowds. A similar skit was staged on October 21, and a billboard in central Tehran carried a threatening message against Trump. On Wednesday, thousands of pro-government demonstrators gathered at Enghelab Square on the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the US embassy. They set fire to a banner bearing images of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US envoy Steve Witkoff, along with US and Israeli flags, chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf framed the November 3 US midterm results, in which Democrats won both chambers of Congress, as a rejection of war. Trump acknowledged that the eight-month US-Israeli war on Iran, higher fuel prices and inflation hurt Republicans. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed expectations that the results would change US policy toward Tehran. Talks continue to prevent fighting from resuming, but fears of renewed US military action persist.

Israel: Arab Parties Emerge as Kingmakers, Back Opposition Leader Eisenkot to Form Next Government TEL AVIV: Arab parties have emerged as kingmakers in Israel. The Joint List announced on Thursday, November 5, that it will back opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government, and will inform President Isaac Herzog in the evening that the task of forming a government should be given to Eisenkot. In last week's general election, Arab-led parties won 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset. A candidate needs a majority of 61 seats to form a government, which gives the Arab parties the strongest bargaining power in coalition talks, and their support could prove crucial for Eisenkot. Political analysts say it is the first time Arab parties have so clearly taken the kingmaker role, having often been excluded from government-formation in the past. Joint List leaders say their support is not unconditional. They are seeking Arab citizens' rights, an equal share of the budget, development in Arab communities, action against crime and progress in the peace process. How far Eisenkot accepts these demands will determine the success of the coming negotiations. Meanwhile, parties backing the current prime minister are also meeting the president. They fear that if Eisenkot gets the first chance, he could assemble a broad coalition. Herzog will invite one leader to form a government after consulting all parties. Arabs make up roughly 21 percent of Israel's population and have long complained of being ignored in political decision-making. The high turnout in this election shows Arab voters no longer want to stay silent. If Eisenkot succeeds in forming a government with the Joint List's support, it would mark a new chapter in Israel's history.

"Blue Tsunami": Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon Mock Trump After Midterm Rout WASHINGTON: US late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon made light of the heavy blows dealt to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party in the midterm elections. Kimmel called the Democratic wins a "blue tsunami." In the November 3 midterms, Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate, flipping at least seven Senate seats. The result was seen as a sweeping rejection of Trump's presidency at the midpoint of his second term. Most late-night shows did not air live on election night, but "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on ABC and "The Tonight Show" on NBC were recorded later than usual to include the results. Kimmel's Monologue Referencing a famous Game of Thrones scene, Kimmel joked that "the blue wave has hit the shore and now the Red Wedding begins." He said Democrats won the House "thanks to President Trump." He also reacted to a Truth Social post in which Trump claimed Republicans would have won by a "historic majority" had he been on the ballot. Kimmel replied: "You were on the ballot. You're like dog hair, you stick to everything." He advised Trump to resign and buy an island with his crypto money, and closed by calling him both a "lame duck and an orange chicken." Fallon's Jokes Fallon is usually less political than Kimmel, but has targeted Trump more in recent weeks. He noted Democrats had a 96 percent chance of winning the House, quipping that "usually, when Trump loses a house, it's because of a divorce." He said the top issues for voters were the economy, healthcare, war, gas prices and corruption. He also mocked Trump's final rally at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which reportedly had very low attendance, saying the campaign had turned from presidential rallies into "drunk best-man speeches." Fallon previously joked about Trump's record-low approval ratings and his seven-states-in-seven-days campaign blitz.

Australia: High Court to Hear Pauline Hanson's Appeal Over Racial Vilification Ruling Against Senator Faruqi CANBERRA: Australia's High Court has agreed to hear an appeal by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson against a ruling that found she racially vilified Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi. The court granted her special leave to appeal on Thursday. The dispute began in September 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, when Faruqi tweeted that she could not mourn the head of a "racist empire" built on the stolen lives, lands and wealth of occupied and subjugated peoples. Hanson replied that Faruqi should "pack your bags and piss off back to Pakistan," adding that Faruqi had taken every advantage of Australia since migrating. In November 2024, Justice Angus Stewart ruled that Hanson's tweet was unlawful because it portrayed Faruqi as a "second-class citizen" who should be grateful and keep quiet. He described the "go back" phrase as a racist trope and a severe form of racism, and said Hanson's prominence may have encouraged others to make similar or worse comments. He rejected her fair comment defence, calling the tweet an angry personal attack. In July this year, three Federal Court judges, Melissa Perry, Jeffrey Kennett and Elizabeth Bennett, unanimously upheld the decision. The High Court will now decide whether Hanson's comments breached the Racial Discrimination Act, and will also consider whether the Federal Court's ruling interfered with her implied freedom of political communication. Section 18C of the Act makes it unlawful to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate a person because of their race, colour, or national or ethnic origin. Hanson, 72, said the case is "bigger than me and a tweet," arguing that Australians should be free to express their views rather than be afraid and silenced. Faruqi responded with "Bring it on," saying the nation's highest court can now settle once and for all that people in Australia are protected from racism. She added that non-white people, migrants and Muslims deserve to feel safe. A spokesperson for Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said Section 18C is more important than ever for social cohesion, but that further comment would be inappropriate as the matter is before the court.

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Vows to Return in December "At Any Cost" NEW DELHI: Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has told the Associated Press she is determined to return to Bangladesh from exile in India next month, despite having been sentenced to death. Hasina fled to India after being ousted in a student-led uprising in 2024 and has lived there since. In 2025, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity, ruling she was responsible for ordering a crackdown in which hundreds were killed and thousands injured. A UN report said around 1,400 people died in the action against protesters. Hasina denies all charges and has rejected the verdict, challenging the legality of the trial. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition, but India has refused. She first announced her intention to return in December back in August. Answering questions by email, Hasina told AP: "If death is my fate, I would prefer to die on the soil of my country, among my people. So, I will return to Bangladesh. That decision has not changed." She said she knows she could be arrested, imprisoned, tortured or even killed on return, but cannot spend the rest of her life watching her people suffer from afar. She did not say how she plans to return from India. Asked whether she expects countries such as the United States and India to pressure Bangladesh to ensure her safe return, Hasina said she does not want foreign protection and needs no foreign power to come back to her country. Hasina was prime minister from 2009 to 2024. After her government fell, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus led an interim administration for 18 months. In February, Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Hasina's longtime rival, won elections held under Yunus's administration, from which Hasina's Awami League was barred. Her planned return comes as her party faces an uncertain future amid a wide crackdown. The party remains banned, and senior leaders have been arrested or forced into exile. Hasina alleged that at least 20,000 party members have been killed since August 2024, while thousands more were arrested, tortured or forced into hiding, and that supporters have lost homes, businesses and livelihoods. "There is no normal political or democratic environment," she said. Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have criticised Rahman's government in recent months over attacks on civil and political rights. The current government also faces criticism over the deteriorating law and order situation.

UK: Hyphen, Platform for Positive Muslim Stories, Set to Close LONDON: Hyphen, a digital news platform that gave mainstream coverage to the lives, achievements, culture and concerns of Muslims in Britain and Europe, is set to shut down after its funding was withdrawn. Launched in 2022, the outlet held its final annual festival on November 4 in Westminster, attended by prominent figures from politics, sport and entertainment. Hyphen is owned by Link Media Corporation, which also runs the business news platform Arabian Gulf Business Insight. Chief Executive Martin Newland confirmed that the UAE-based parent company has decided to end funding for Hyphen from 2027, citing a shift in strategic priorities amid difficult economic conditions. The decision puts around 18 journalists and regular contributors at risk of losing their jobs. Link Media has informed staff of a consultation process over possible redundancies. No final closure date has been announced, and the website continues to publish in the meantime. The festival featured MP Naz Shah, rapper and TV personality Big Zuu and para powerlifter Doaa Shayea, with interviews streamed live on Hyphen's YouTube channel. One panel discussed the future of the government's counter-extremism programme Prevent, with Prevent Watch director Layla Aitlhadj and former interim independent Prevent commissioner David Anderson. Another examined English-language teaching and its links to the economy, employment and social inclusion. A new travel documentary on Hajj was also screened. Hyphen reported on mosque security, Islamophobia, immigration, education and employment, while also highlighting Muslim achievements in the arts, food, fashion and sport. Following its reporting, MPs began reviewing the Home Office's mosque protection scheme and gathering evidence, and a financial firm announced a review after Hyphen reported on "halal" investment funds holding stakes in US data analytics firm Palantir. In 2025, one of its investigations was shortlisted for the British Journalism Awards.

Israel Faces Diplomatic Setbacks and Pressure From Washington After Elections in Four Countries in 10 Days TEL AVIV: Three elections abroad and one at home over the past 10 days have weakened Israel's diplomatic position, increased scrutiny in Washington and complicated coalition-building for Israeli parties. The setbacks began on October 25 in Serbia, where the alliance led by Aleksandar Vucic, a staunch Israeli ally, lost snap parliamentary elections to a student-backed anti-corruption list. Serbia has supplied Israel with key ammunition, and in August 2025 it signed a $1.6 billion deal to buy Israeli drones, long-range missiles and electronic warfare systems. The victorious "Student List" has pledged to halt arms exports to conflict zones and said it will not be a "partner" in the alleged effort to eliminate the Palestinian people in Gaza. In Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won re-election against Flavio Bolsonaro, dashing Israeli hopes for closer ties with Brasilia. Under Lula, Brazil recalled its ambassador from Israel and formally backed South Africa's genocide case at the International Court of Justice. On October 27, Israel's own elections left no major bloc with enough seats to form a government. Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, eight short of a majority. President Isaac Herzog began talks with the parties on Wednesday to decide who should form the next government. Pressure From Washington In the US midterms on Tuesday, Democrats won both chambers of Congress. The Jerusalem Post pointed to figures such as Michigan's Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and questioned how far critical views of Israel will gain traction in debates over arms transfers. The new Congress convenes on January 3. The paper warned that Washington could debate the future of the relationship while Israeli parties remain tied up in coalition talks. US Vice President J.D. Vance wrote on X that voters who backed Trump in 2024 but supported Democrats this time were influenced by America's changing relationship with Israel, adding that the Iran war was the reason for the defeat. Trump told Fox News that Washington will end financial aid to Israel by year's end. Under an earlier agreement with Netanyahu, the aid would be reduced to roughly $4 billion a year.

Hegseth Faces Republican Backlash Over Iran War After Election Defeat: Report WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing opposition from fellow Republicans over the Iran war following the midterm election defeat, CNN reported. Many Republican lawmakers believe the war cost the party the elections. According to the report, many GOP members argue that Hegseth played a major role in persuading President Donald Trump to launch strikes on Iran without a plan for the aftermath. Several Republicans also accused him of pushing for further military escalation, despite little sign that continued strikes would force Iran to surrender. The report said House Republicans are expected to vote within days to rebuke the Pentagon chief. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie said he will propose a vote next week to impeach Hegseth. On X, Massie said Hegseth's resignation is the only scenario in which he would not introduce articles of impeachment. The war against Iran has cost the United States more than $47 billion and fuelled a cost-of-living and affordability crisis, which turned many voters away from the party on November 3. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance have both blamed the war for the midterm losses, though the president has argued he did the right thing. A former senior Pentagon official told CNN the tide is starting to turn against the defense secretary. Trump had earlier defended Hegseth, saying he is doing a great job. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth will not back down or be intimidated by politicians seeking his impeachment, adding that he is "100 percent committed" to leading the department through the end of Trump's term. Meanwhile, CBS News, citing sources, reported that Trump has asked advisers whether Hegseth should stay in the job. Reuters, citing a Trump adviser, said Hegseth could be on the chopping block because of the war. "Someone is going to be held responsible for this war, and you know it won't be him [Trump]," the adviser said.

Vice President Vance Seeks New Political Coalition With Disgruntled Trump Supporters: Report WASHINGTON: US Vice President J.D. Vance is seeking to build a new political coalition with disgruntled supporters of President Donald Trump ahead of the 2028 presidential election cycle, Fox News Digital reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. According to the report, Vance has begun shaping his political message following Republican losses in the November 3 midterm elections, including by voicing differences with Trump on foreign policy and Washington's relationship with Israel. A source familiar with post-election developments said a meeting was held at the White House on Wednesday morning to align administration officials on post-midterm messaging. Afterwards, Vance, citing a pollster, posted on X four steps to win voters back: ending the war in Iran, focusing on the cost of living and inflation, putting America first, and changing the relationship with Israel. He wrote that the president himself said the previous night, referring to the Iran war, that the war was the reason Republicans lost. A White House official told Fox News Digital that all four points are Vance's rallying call for a new right, a coalition tied to Trump's original "America First" movement, which also believes Trump is too closely aligned with Israel on foreign policy. The official said Vance's message is not a break from Trump but is aimed at Republicans who back the president yet disagree with his foreign policy or feel betrayed. "Vance is our guy," the official said, describing the message.