Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government on Friday, accusing its anti-Israel policies of fostering antisemitism after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue. The Adass Israel synagogue was firebombed during morning prayers, injuring one and causing extensive damage. Worshippers inside reported masked assailants throwing incendiary devices through the windows.
President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his support for Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense on Friday, dismissing reports that the nomination might be reconsidered. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Hegseth’s qualifications, calling him “a fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense” and emphasizing his confidence in the Fox News host.
Canada has banned 324 additional assault-style firearms, continuing its push for stricter gun control. This decision builds on a 2020 ban of 1,500 firearm models, which was expanded to over 2,000 last month as more weapons were identified. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the new restrictions, which take effect immediately, stating, “Firearms designed for the battlefield plainly do not belong in our communities.”
As cartel violence intensifies in Mexico, the U.S. State Department has increased its reward for information leading to the capture of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," to $15 million. El Mencho, co-founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), remains a fugitive despite multiple U.S. indictments for drug trafficking and related crimes.
A series of recent polls highlights widespread public dissatisfaction with the federal government, with many Americans favoring efforts to reduce its size and improve efficiency. A Pew Research survey from this summer found that 56% of Americans believe the government is “almost always wasteful and inefficient,” while Gallup reports that 55% feel the government is doing “too much,” compared to 41% who think it should do more.
Officials in a New Jersey town are backtracking on elements of their "prop" policy, which prohibited residents from carrying American flags and the U.S. Constitution while speaking during town meetings.
The Kosovo government has accused Serbia of orchestrating the bombing of a vital pipeline that supplies water and electricity to northern Kosovo's ethnic Serb population.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has canceled plans to visit South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this week, two U.S. officials confirmed Thursday.
President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly drafting plans to deport migrants to alternative countries if their home nations refuse to accept their return.
