Middle East

World News

A look into the rise of right-wing Israel

5:54pm March 26, 2024

by Ramtin Arablouei

Throughline, brings us the story of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu's political ascent and the right-wing ideologies that have informed his current stance on Gaza and the state of Israel.

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A demonstrator holds a placard, after Stella Assange, wife of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, released a statement outside the Royal Courts of Justice, in London, Tuesday.

A U.K. court delays extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the U.S.

12:05pm March 26, 2024

He spent seven years in the Ecuadorian Embassy and five years in prison, both in London. U.S. prosecutors want his next move to be to the U.S. But the High Court has delayed that.

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Cease-fire resolution, growing support for Gaza in the U.S. sour relations with Israel

11:50am March 26, 2024

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Daniel Estrin and Minister for Strategic Affairs in Israel, Ron Dermer.

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Morning news brief

11:40am March 26, 2024

Part of a Maryland bridge collapses after a ship crashes into it. Israel cancels talks in Washington after cease-fire vote clears the U.N. Supreme Court abortion pill case could affect other drugs.

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Israel cancels Washington talks after cease-fire vote clears the U.N.

7:27am March 26, 2024

A U.N. Security Council resolution calls for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. It passed after the U.S. abstained from blocking the measure. The move angered Israel, but how deep is the rift?

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How do Leahy Laws apply to U.S. support for Israel.

5:13am March 26, 2024

NPR's Leila Fadel asks the former head of an office in the State Department that regulates weapons transfers about what's known as the Leahy Laws and how they apply to U.S. support for Israel.

UNICEF spokesman recently visited hospitals in Northern Gaza

5:13am March 26, 2024

UNICEF'S spokesperson James Elder speaks to NPR's Leila Fadel about his recent trip to hospitals in Northern Gaza, where many are on the brink of starvation.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men pray at a yeshiva in Bnei Brak, Israel, on March 21. The war in Gaza has prompted calls for Israel to end military exemptions for full-time religious students.

World News

With war in Gaza, Israel faces new pressure to draft the ultra-Orthodox into service

5:01am March 26, 2024

by Jennifer Ludden

Religious scholars have broad exemption from military service. But critics say that's no longer sustainable, given their fast-growing population and the war in Gaza.

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World News

Israel's war in Gaza puts pressure on Ultra-Orthodox community's military exemption

4:48pm March 25, 2024

by Jennifer Ludden

Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Jews have broad exemption from military duty. But the expanded war on Hamas has intensified pressure to change that.

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World News

In Israel, the Jewish holiday of Purim feel less celebratory amid war

4:48pm March 25, 2024

by Carrie Kahn

The Jewish carnival holiday of Purim, marking the story of the Book of Esther, carries special resonance this year. A look at the celebration in wartime Israel.

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