JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shored up his base with a landslide primary victory announced early Friday, but he will need a big win in national elections in March if he hopes to stay in office and gain immunity from prosecution on corruption charges. Netanyahu handily defeated Gideon...
Israel's Embattled Netanyahu Declares Victory in Primary
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory early Friday in his primary election battle for leadership of the Likud party, as TV stations predicted a landslide win for the longtime Israeli leader. The apparent victory means that Netanyahu will lead Likud into March elections, the country's third election...
Israeli Parliament Starts Dissolving Itself for 3rd Election
JERUSALEM — The Israeli parliament began voting to dissolve itself on Wednesday and pave the path to an unprecedented third election within a year. The preliminary vote passed without objections. Barring a nearly unfathomable about-face, three more measures are expected to pass and call a new election for March 2,...
Despite Trump's Attacks, California Is Still a Republican State
Did da Vinci spray graffiti over the Mona Lisa? Did Hitchcock destroy reels of Vertigo? Of course not. So why are Republicans waging war against California, their party’s greatest masterpiece? For all the denunciations of California as Democratic bastion, the larger, historic truth is exactly the opposite: Modern California is...
Iraqi Police Fire Shots, Tear Gas at Protesters; 8 Killed
BAGHDAD — Iraqi police fired live shots into the air as well as rubber bullets and dozens of tear gas canisters Friday to disperse thousands of anti-government protesters, sending young demonstrators running for cover and enveloping a main bridge in the capital Baghdad with thick white smoke. Eight protesters were...
Israeli Politics Remain in Chaos After Deadlocked Election
JERUSALEM — Benjamin Netanyahu has been tasked by Israel's president to form a new government for the sixth time in his lengthy political career. This time it's no mere formality, but rather a daunting endeavor that looks like mission impossible. After an inconclusive national election last week, Netanyahu has no obvious path...
Israel's Netanyahu Given Chance to Form New Government
JERUSALEM — Israel's president on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government, giving the longtime leader the difficult task of breaking a post-election deadlock that has paralyzed the country's political system. After a divisive campaign, Netanyahu called for a "broad unity government" with his chief rival...
Netanyahu Makes History as Israel's Longest-Serving Leader
JERUSALEM — As Benjamin Netanyahu becomes Israel's longest-serving prime minister, he is solidifying his place as the country's greatest political survivor and the most dominant force in Israeli politics in his generation. He has persevered through scandals, crises and conflicts, winning election after election even as the country grows more...
Poll: Trump Isn't Getting a Boost from Strong US Economy
WASHINGTON — The solid economy is doing little to bolster support for President Donald Trump. Americans give Trump mixed reviews for his economic stewardship despite the growth achieved during this presidency, according to a new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Nearly two-thirds describe as "good"...
Israel Decides Netanyahu's Fate in National Election
JERUSALEM — Israeli voters decided Tuesday whether to give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu another term in office in a tight election that has become a referendum on his decade in power. Clouded by a series of looming corruption indictments, Netanyahu is seeking a fourth consecutive term and a fifth overall,...