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The hostage deal that never was: Netanyahu's political calculations and the price paid
Analysis: A July 2024 hostage deal had the backing of both Israel and Hamas, but negotiations collapsed; as new details emerge, questions mount over Netanyahu's coalition maneuvering, political motives and the devastating cost to hostages and their families
Business expansion continues on Willoughby Hills’ west end
Willoughby Hills City Council member Tanya Taylor Draper, who represents District 2, recently presented an update on the city’s west end business district. Draper said Sheetz, located at 28601 Chardon Road, continues to operate strongly …
US pushed Israel to attack Iran alone in effort to avoid political fallout before midterms
According to the report, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position on the matter remains unclear, with his schedule described as "very security-focused."
Guest Opinion: Tanya Murren: A Business Owner Invested in Madras—and My Friend
I’ve enjoyed getting to know Tanya Murren and have come to appreciate the energy, creativity and enthusiasm she brings to everything she does. With 38 years of experience building and […]
Oct. 7 reshaped Israel. Three years on, its political map remains largely unchanged.
As Israelis head to the polls, analysts say Oct. 7 and the war that followed have hardened existing political divisions rather than fundamentally changing them.
How has Oct. 7 reshaped Israeli politics?
The Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas has forced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fight for political survival ahead of elections later this month.
Israelis scarred by Oct. 7 attack weigh Netanyahu’s political future
Some survivors of the deadliest day in Israel’s history see this month’s election as a long-delayed reckoning for the officials in charge when the country dropped its guard.
Exclusive | How Tanya Zuckerbrot lost her $40M diet empire to one troll, and the six year fight for justice
Kathy Hochul doesn't have a political home in NY: Erin Maguire
Former Trump 2020 press director Erin Maguire reacts to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's warning over the Islamist Marxist alliance, Hasan Piker's political influence and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Israeli Politicians Trade Barbs Over FlyDubai Attack
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s campaign for a coming election was already dominated by discussion of the policy, military and intelligence failures leading up to the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.
Alien nation? URI fall Honors Colloquium lecture on Oct. 6 explains why space travel means ‘More than Martians’
KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 28, 2026 – Interest and fascination in space travel isn’t just about visiting far-away planets, including Mars. Sometimes, it’s learning more about other life forms from another world. But venturing into outer space is still vitally important to understand the world around us, and beyond, even if aliens are never found. […]
They led protests against Netanyahu. Can they turn outrage into political power?
As Israel heads toward elections, protest leaders are running for parliament — and finding that bringing people into the streets is different from winning their votes
Haredi anti-draft march in Bnei Brak doubled as launch event for a protest political party
"In Netanyahu's Government of Evasion, the deserters are the heroes," Gadi Eisenkot claimed, dubbing the march "Netanyahu's walk of shame."
How Israel’s regional neighbors see its upcoming elections
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc is squaring off against that of his main opponent, centrist Gadi Eisenkot.
Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon detained while protesting Netanyahu in NYC
Actors Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon were detained by police on Sept. 24 during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu turned the UN into campaign theater – but will Israelis buy the show?
NATIONAL AFFAIRS: The prime minister presents himself on the global stage as a leader uniquely equipped to defend Israel in a hostile world, seeking to bring that same message home to Israeli voters.
Hannah Einbinder, Susan Sarandon arrested in protest against Netanyahu
Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon were arrested after protesting the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations in New York City. Cynthia Nixon, Elliot Page, Indya Moore, Mary Beth Barone, Caleb Hearon and Sarah Sherman were also at the demonstration.
At least 30 arrested, including actors, politicians during anti-Netanyahu protest outside UN
Police arrested at least 30 people, including actors and politicians, during a protest outside the United Nations headquarters on Thursday against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hours before he addressed the UN General Assembly.
Jewish community divided on Israeli PM Netanyahu's appearance at U.N.
People stood and sat in the street, linked arms and blocked traffic.
Police arrest actors, politicians protesting against Netanyahu outside UN
By Maria Tsvetkova NEW YORK, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Police arrested at least 30 people including actors and politicians as they protested outside United Nations headquarters on Thursday against Israeli
Police arrest actors, politicians protesting against Netanyahu outside UN
Police arrested at least 30 people including actors and politicians as they protested outside United Nations headquarters on Thursday against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of his speech at the General Assembly.
Democratic House candidate arrested during Netanyahu protest in NYC
Darializa Avila Chevalier was among several progressive elected officials and nominees who protested Netanyahu's speech at the U.N.
Netanyahu says Mamdani endangers Jewish New Yorkers
The mayor has encouraged the federal government to arrest Netanyahu.
Netanyahu says attacking Iran was ‘one of the easiest decisions’ he’s ever made
He denounced as “moral cowards” a mass of delegates who walked out of the U.N. General Assembly when he took the podium to speak
Netanyahu says attacking Iran was ‘one of the easiest decisions’ he’s ever made
He denounced as “moral cowards” a mass of delegates who walked out of the U.N. General Assembly when he took the podium to speak
Netanyahu says attacking Iran was ‘one of the easiest decisions’ he’s ever made
He denounced as “moral cowards” a mass of delegates who walked out of the U.N. General Assembly when he took the podium to speak
Israel’s Netanyahu takes the U.N. stage facing global isolation and a fight for his political future
Netanyahu is not scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump or any other any other U.S. officials and is expected to return to Israel shortly after his speech.
Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver defiant UN speech while facing protests and political isolation
Prime minister will ‘highlight Israel’s achievements’ as he heads towards his toughest re-election challenge
Netanyahu, Mamdani reignite feud ahead of U.N. General Assembly
Mamdani has called Netanyahu “an architect of a horrific genocide.”
Newcastle United Women Mounting An Early Title Charge In WSL2
Tanya Oxtoby’s side sits atop the table after three dominant victories, blending defensive steel with a clinical attack to cement their status as runaway promotion favorites.
Learning about Technology, and Relationships, from Wendell Berry
Berry describes the beautiful working relationship he had with his wife, Tanya. She typed his work on a Royal standard typewriter.
Qatar denies funding Hamas after Israeli report claims Netanyahu ignored warnings over Gaza aid
The report also included quotes from several prominent Israeli politicians reacting to the news and censuring Netanyahu's behavior.
Hostage families became a political prize. But not for the party that championed their cause
The largely anti-Netanyahu campaign to bring captives home turned hostage relatives into some of Israel's most recognizable public figures. When election season came, many found the opposition had little room for them
2026 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Lecture Speaker: Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza
Austin College will host Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza as the 2026 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Lecture Speaker.
2026 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Lecture Speaker: Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza
Austin College will host Dr. Tanya Golash-Boza as the 2026 Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Lecture Speaker.
Eating alone may be quietly hurting mental health and social connection, expert says
Regularly splitting apart for meals may contribute to isolation and disconnection, according to dietitian Tanya Freirich. Sharing flexible, modular meals can make it easier for people with different needs or schedules to eat together.
No. 2: Benjamin Netanyahu: Shaping Israel’s politics and global image for a generation
Netanyahu has become more than Israel’s prime minister for many. Abroad, for instance, he has become Israel’s symbol and the lightning rod for much of the hatred directed against the Jewish state.
Israeli legislative election and Netanyahu's politics of enmity
Rather than labeling his domestic rivals as outright traitors, Netanyahu frames them as the vehicles that will deliver the enemy's desired outcome. This deliberately blurs the line between legitimate political dissent and national betrayal | Anadolu
Report that Netanyahu was warned before October 7 triggers political earthquake in Israel
An investigation published by 'Haaretz' claims the Israeli prime minister was informed by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, 10 days before the attack, that Hamas was planning a major operation against Israel.
Nebraska Senator Tanya Storer: Law requires brand committee members’ principal business ‘raising cattle’
Last week, the gubernatorial appointments to the newly restructured Nebraska Brand Committee were announced by the Governor’s Office. Under LB1187, the committee should be comprised of five district representatives plus one representative who owns or...
Netanyahu will make a quick trip to speak at the UN after Mamdani urged his arrest, diplomat says
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making a whirlwind 24-hour trip to speak at the U.N.’s annual gathering of world leaders this month after New York’s mayor urged his arrest over the war in Gaza, That's according to Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon on Tuesday | WWJ Newsradio 950
Netanyahu will make a quick trip to speak at the UN after Mamdani urged his arrest, diplomat says
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making a whirlwind 24-hour trip to speak at the U.N.’s annual gathering of world leaders this month after New York’s mayor urged his arrest over the war in Gaza, That's according to Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon on Tuesday | K-DAWN
Jaclyn Smith says ‘Charlie’s Angels’ costar Tanya Roberts asked for threesome
‘Charlie’s Angels’ star Jaclyn Smith said costar Tanya Roberts once propositioned her for a threesome, adding that there was an ‘honesty about her sexuality.’
Netanyahu's main rival accuses him of putting politics over security
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, accused him Monday of prioritizing his political survival over Israel’s...
OB-GYN on maternal mental health after mistrial declared in Lindsay Clancy case
Dr. La Tanya Hines, an OB-GYN with Kaiser Permanente, discusses postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression. This video was broadcast during the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.
New blood wanted: Israeli politics needs an infusion of unpolluted leaders
I eagerly await the day, perhaps in the 2028 or 2030 elections, when the current crop of politicians will have passed – and that means everybody from Netanyahu to Lapid and Gafni.
Ruth Bar breaks silence on her 1993 affair with Netanyahu, his early political rise
Thirty-three years after Netanyahu’s live TV confession, Ruth Bar speaks publicly for the first time about their professional relationship and his early political instincts.
As election looms, Netanyahu turns his focus to his divided base
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks reelection, his main concern these days isn’t his political rivals. It’s some of his biggest supporters.
With his eye on reelection, Israel's Netanyahu turns his focus to his divided base
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks reelection, his main concern these days isn’t his political rivals | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
‘I don’t want to see him in jail': Bennett backs Netanyahu pardon if he quits politics
Bennett, who also leads the B’Yachad party, is one of the leading figures in the opposition bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu in the October elections.
When Netanyahu leaves, Israeli politics will have to stand for something
After years in which Netanyahu has been the question, it is time for Israeli politics to begin preparing for the day when it will finally have to provide the answers.
Fmr US Diplomat: Netanyahu sees ‘political value’ in Turkiye as enemy
The Man Who Could Defeat Netanyahu
Gadi Eisenkot’s party is leading many polls. Will he loosen Netanyahu’s grip on power?
3 takeaways from David Crowley’s comeback: From the Politics Desk
Plus, the troubled Trump-Netanyahu alliance.
Trump-Netanyahu rift widens as election pressures pull them in opposite directions
While the Israeli leader touts a willingness to defy the U.S. on Gaza, the president needs to show progress in the foreign entanglements weighing on his approval rating.
Israel rejects Trump’s new Gaza peace plan
Israeli forces ‘will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed,’ Netanyahu said
Morning Mail: inside the political ‘meme factories’; China questions detainee’s death; Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza plan
‘Buzzer’ economy drumming up outrage online; China’s ‘grave concern’ over death in detention; Trump’s Gaza peace plan in doubt
Israel rejects Trump's Gaza plan, more details emerge on the Strait of Hormuz
Tehran suggests that vessels linked to “hostile countries” will be barred from the waterway.
Political struggle of far-right ally Smotrich shows faultline in Netanyahu coalition
A lifelong settler in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Bezalel Smotrich leads the Religious Zionism party, which opposes a Palestinian state.
Board of Peace demands Netanyahu cease Gaza airstrikes
The Board of Peace is struggling to get Israel on board with its peace plan for Gaza as Israeli militia airstrikes continue to bombard the war-torn strip despite expectations for a ceasefire and de-escalation. Gaza City was hit repeatedly by Israeli airstrikes on Saturday and Sunday, despite Hamas having agreed to a framework for demilitarization […]
Behind Closed Doors, Trump Huddles With Netanyahu and Zelensky
The visits by the leaders of Israel and Ukraine underscored just how deeply President Trump was enmeshed in conflicts he had promised — and failed — to end quickly.
Sen. Lindsey Graham to be eulogized by Trump at funeral attended by Zelenskyy, Netanyahu
New Yorkers wrestle with a potential Netanyahu visit
The Israeli prime minister could be in New York City this September
Lindsey Graham’s funeral ceremonies to begin with Netanyahu and Zelenskyy in attendance
Memorials for the Republican senator to start in US Capitol as Israeli and Ukrainian leaders are set to meet with Trump
Donald Trump to deliver tribute during Lindsey Graham’s funeral service
The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are scheduled to meet with the US president after attending Tuesday’s funeral
Mamdani and Netanyahu Are in a Vicious War of Words
Mamdani has accused Netanyahu of committing genocide while the prime minister claims the mayor is “fomenting hate.”
Political strategists talk Mamdani-Netanyahu and the week that was in NYC politics
Netanyahu accuses Mamdani of 'fomenting hate' and calls ICC war-crimes charges 'bogus'
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu says New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is “fomenting hate” by calling the prime minister a war criminal who should be arrested if he visits the city.
Netanyahu accuses Mamdani of 'fomenting hate' and calls ICC war-crimes charges 'bogus'
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu says New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is “fomenting hate” by calling the prime minister a war criminal who should be arrested if he visits the city.
Mamdani warning to wealthy New Yorkers about 'fair share' sparks online firestorm: 'Full blown communist'
Zohran Mamdani's viral post celebrating New York City's new pied-à-terre tax on $5M+ second homes drew sharp backlash from conservative critics.
In Israel, a strong challenger for political change
Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing a major political test this fall. After three years of war and growing public frustration, a former military chief is emerging as an unlikely challenger, offering voters a different vision for the country’s leadership. We look at how an outsider with deep security credentials is tapping into a desire for change — and what his rise could mean for Netanyahu’s political future.
Big Question Swirling Around Graham’s Funeral: Will Netanyahu Attend? | WSJ Politics Newsletter for July 23
Plus, the U.S. is surging forces to the Middle East and a date for Nicolás Maduro’s criminal trial is set
Mamdani battles politics tied to Legionnaires', failed Israeli PM arrest threat
Since discovering the outbreak in early July, five New Yorkers have died from Legionnaires' disease.
Mamdani says U.S. authorities should arrest Netanyahu as ‘architect of a horrific genocide’
The New York mayor has repeatedly denounced the Israeli leader despite criticism from other Democrats. He challenged the federal government to ensure that Netanyahu be tried for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.
In new video, Mamdani acknowledges he doesn’t have authority to arrest Netanyahu
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a new video Tuesday that he does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to come to New York City.
Why Trump and Mamdani might both welcome a fight over Netanyahu
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings may be sliding, but one political super sense is as sharp as ever: picking a fight with an adversary he casts as the entire Democratic Party.
This Week: Muni 1 Bus Improvements, Car Free Happy Hour, SF Politics 101
Here is a list of events this week. Tuesday Park Presidio and California Evening Pop-Up. This SFMTA project aims to improve the Muni 1 California bus route from 33rd Avenue to Steiner Street. Come learn about it. Tuesday, July 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Corner of Park Presidio and California, S.F. Tuesday East Bay Car Free Happy Hour. Whether you’re car free, car light, car free curious, or just want to hang out with fun people and have nerdy urbanist conversations, everyone is welcome. Tuesday, July 21, 5:30-7 p.m., Drake’s Dealership, 2325 Broadway, Oakland. Wednesday SF Politics 101 with Joel Engardio. SF Politics 101 is an entertaining look at how local politics work and the history that shaped San Francisco — brought to life with visuals and narrative storytelling. Wednesday, July 22, 6-7:15 p.m., SPUR Urban Center, 654 Mission Street, S.F. Friday Woman and Non-Binary Morning Ride. Join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for a socially distanced bike ride for women and nonbinary cyclists. Friday, July 24, 7:15-8:45 a.m., McLaren Lodge, 501 Stanyan Street, S.F. Saturday Smart City Cycling 3 — Road Practice. In this class, you’ll go on a guided group ride to practice street-riding skills on increasingly high-volume streets. This class is the third in the Smart City Cycling sequence, and Smart City Cycling 2: Maneuvering is a prerequisite. Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Arguello Extension, Arguello Blvd and Lincoln Way, S.F. Sunday Adult & Teen Learn-to-Ride Workshop. This three-hour workshop is for adults and teens who have not yet learned to ride a bike or would like a refresher on the basics of balancing, pedaling, and steering. Sunday, July 26, Alameda Waterfront Park, 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda. Got an event we should know about? Drop us a line.
Mamdani’s comment on Netanyahu highlights schism among Democrats on Israel
Some Democrats condemned the New York City mayor after he said his staff was discussing whether to arrest the Israeli prime minister when he arrives for the U.N. General Assembly.
Mamdani says he’s still looking into arresting Netanyahu if Israeli leader visits New York
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his office is still looking into arresting Benjamin Netanyahu if the Israeli prime minister visits the city for the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Mamdani says NYC is exploring whether it can arrest Netanyahu if Israeli leader visits for UN General Assembly
Mayor Zohran Mamdani says his administration is exploring whether New York City can arrest Benjamin Netanyahu over the ICC warrant during United Nations General Assembly.
The Clock Is Now Ticking on Netanyahu’s Political Future
Israel’s prime minister is bracing for a fight to stay in power as the parliament dissolves and the countdown to an election begins.
Mamdani Says He May Still Order Netanyahu’s Arrest in ‘The Interview’
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was in “an active conversation” with New York City’s Law Department on whether he had the authority to arrest the Israeli leader.
Why Gadi Eisenkot is rejecting the haredi political embrace that once helped Netanyahu win
POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Yitzhak Yosef’s embrace – and Eisenkot's effort to distance himself from it – reflects Israel's shifting political landscape.
Sports without politics is a fantasy and the World Cup proves it
From ancient Greece to Nazi Germany, sport and politics have long been intertwined. Nevertheless, we still imagine that international sport can be kept above the fray and serve as a neutral arena where nations compete on merit alone. In this article, diplomacy scholar Geoffrey Allen Pigman argues the 2026 FIFA World Cup shows this is a dangerous illusion. When international sport is left entirely to revenue-maximizing private bodies like FIFA, it doesn't escape politics, but rather surrenders to its worst expressions. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, the IOC must decide whether to learn that lesson or repeat the same mistakes. The largest and most lucrative FIFA World Cup ever draws toward its climactic conclusion amidst a swirl of controversy. Team members, staff, fans, and spectators have been denied their right to enter the United States to participate, and US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to overturn a referee’s call that Trump believed disadvantaged the US national team. It is a moment to step back and reflect on what the purposes of international sport mega-events like the World Cup, and international sport more broadly, are, and what they should be. Does international sport serve public purposes? Is there a public interest? Or is it primarily a private endeavor organized by commercial enterprises to entertain the global public (and generate profit in the process), which is occasionally used by governments and leaders for raisons d’etat? Central to the idea of sport is the principle of fair play, which in the international context demands that games be free from political interference. However, it is impossible to separate sport from politics, all claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The most positive political use of international sport through the millennia has been to facilitate diplomacy. The use of international sport for diplomatic objectives has existed since at least the time of the ancient Olympic Games, around which was instituted the custom of the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce, between participating states to facilitate fair competition and diplomatic achievements by ensuring that participants could travel safely to the Olympiad. In his seminal work On Diplomacy (1987), diplomacy scholar James Der Derian characterized the objectives of diplomacy as overcoming alienation and mediating estrangement between governments and between peoples. One increasingly important diplomatic tool in the technology-infused media environment over the past century has been public diplomacy, under which governments and non-state diplomatic actors (e.g. transnational corporations) communicate to global publics about their international policy objectives and to shape their global brand image. Political scientist Michał Kobierecki, in his important book Sports Diplomacy (2020), views sports diplomacy as falling broadly within the ambit of public diplomacy, as international sport intimately involves the participation of global publics as spectators and consumers of global media. Diplomacy scholar Stuart Murray and this author, in a 2013 article, distinguish between international sport used for diplomatic purposes and international sport-as-diplomacy, which encompasses the range of diplomacy that occurs as teams and competitors, spectators and fans, and government officials all converge for international sporting events like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. Diplomacy scholar H.E. Chehabi, in a 2001 article on US-Iran sports diplomacy, describes the interaction between spectators and fans at international sporting events as “people-to-people diplomacy,” in which relationships develop independently of governments and their objectives. Diplomacy by the aforementioned definitions is often unsuccessful. Moreover, all too often the tools of diplomacy may be employed by governments and other actors to thwart or oppose the objectives of diplomacy as characterized by Der Derian. Governments routinely use the tools of public diplomacy to disseminate propaganda, spreading misinformation in the attempt to deceive global publics about their objectives and to create misleading impressions about their brand identity. Within sports diplomacy, the term “sportswashing” has been coined recently to describe how governments invest in and promote international sport to create positive global public impressions of their nations and, in doing so, to distract the global public from their deficient records in areas such as human rights and democratic governance. Murray, in his 2018 book Sports Diplomacy: Origins, Theory and Practice, introduces the concept of sports anti-diplomacy, wherein governments intentionally use international sport to advance aggressive and nationalistic objectives. Obvious historical examples include Hitler’s use of the 1936 Berlin Olympics to glorify his Third Reich and the 1969 El Salvador-Honduras football “war.” SUGGESTED READING The beautiful game made ugly By Emily Ryall FIFA argues that it is and seeks to be apolitical in its stewardship of international Association Football (soccer). FIFA policies governing bids to host the World Cup require uninhibited and non-discriminatory access for players, team staff, and spectators of all participating countries to host nations and venues. It became clear soon after Trump returned to power in the United States in January 2025 that Trump’s political intentions and objectives to limit non-US citizens from living and working in the United States and, in numerous cases, even visiting the country, would collide with FIFA’s host nation policies. Beginning soon after the start of the second Trump administration, US federal authorities imposed restrictions on entry to the United States of citizens of between 20 and 40 countries for any purpose, with only limited exceptions. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting non-US citizens in the United States, including persons with and without legal status, holding them in jails, concentration camps, and other detention facilities until they were deported to their home or third countries, where they faced substantive risks to their personal safety. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, in an effort to ensure the most successful and lucrative World Cup in history, engaged diplomatically with President Trump in an attempt to facilitate entry to the US for World Cup participants. Infantino did all in his power to ingratiate himself with Trump, to the extent of creating a FIFA “Peace Prize,” which he awarded to Trump in December 2025 at a ceremony in the then Trump-controlled John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the World Cup draw. The prize was an ersatz consolation for someone who aspired in vain to win the rather more prestigious and well-known Nobel Peace Prize. And in the run-up to the World Cup, conditions became worse. In February 2026, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war of aggression against Iran, illegal under international law, under the false pretence that Iran’s government was preparing to attack the United States and Israel. During the US aerial bombardment of Iran, US planes bombed Azadi Stadium, the facility where Iran’s national football team trained. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup began, it was clear that Infantino’s efforts had been for naught: the Trump administration would not adhere to FIFA policies governing access to World Cup host nations. World Cup referee Omar Artan, a citizen of Somalia, was denied a US visa to enter the United States to participate in the World Cup. Trump’s government only granted US visas to Iran’s football team ten days before they were scheduled to arrive for the tournament. Numerous members of the support staff for Iran’s team were denied US visas. Iran’s team, which had been scheduled to train in Arizona, was directed to shift its training site to Tijuana, Mexico, notwithstanding that all three of their group stage matches took place at US venues. The US Department of Homeland Security only permitted the Iranian team to enter the US on the day before each scheduled match and then to return to Mexico immediately after playing. Members of Iraq’s and Switzerland’s football teams were delayed for hours by US officials at the US border, and an Iraqi team photographer was refused entry. Spectators and fans from Haïti and Iran were denied entry to the United States altogether. A large number of fans from a range of countries had their applications for US visas rejected. There were multiple off-ramps through which participants could have avoided the negative consequences of Trump’s decisions for the 2026 World Cup. Once it was clear that the Trump government intended to violate the established expectations for World Cup hosts, FIFA could have shifted the matches scheduled to take place in the United States to Mexico and Canada. The three nations were already designated as co-hosts, and host cities and venues had been selected. Once it was clear that FIFA, governed by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino’s dependent and dysfunctional relationship with Trump, would never consider this option on its own, it fell to the national football federations to act. The national federations, particularly some combination of federations of the leading contenders (France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, England, Germany, etc.), could have refused to participate under the US-imposed conditions or, at the least, demanded an ironclad agreement with the Trump government that FIFA policies on access would be respected. ___ International sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. ___ Why did neither FIFA nor the national football federations act to protect the interests of players, team staff, referees, fans, and spectators? In essence, the relentless engines of capitalism prevailed over norm observance, ethics, and fair play. The revenue interests of FIFA, sponsors, global media, and host cities won out. FIFA’s managers viewed hosting another World Cup principally in the United States as a veritable pot of gold for FIFA and its collaborators. FIFA has estimated its own revenue over the 2023-26 budget cycle, which includes the 2026 World Cup, at $13 billion, revised up from an initial projection of $11 billion, and 72% higher than the previous revenue cycle. Of that total, FIFA is estimated to have generated $8.9 billion from the Cup itself in revenue from TV rights ($3.92 billion), sponsorships ($2.69 billion), ticket sales ($3.1 billion), licensing rights, and other sources. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates that the World Cup will contribute over $40 billion to global GDP, including nearly $14 billion in direct visitor spending in the three host countries (but principally in the United States, which hosted the lion’s share of the matches). The FIFA World Cup is now reportedly “the single most lucrative recurring commercial property in global sport.” And yet, notwithstanding the Trump government’s uses of the World Cup for sports anti-diplomacy, and the climate of anxiety that this created for participants and spectators, diplomacy that did not depend upon governments was able to thrive at the World Cup. Examples of successful people-to-people diplomacy were legion, as citizens of towns and cities across the States, as well as in Mexico and Canada, welcomed team members, their families and supporters, to training sites across North America. Fans of different teams joined together in person in stadiums for matches, at watch parties and bars, and at welcome events sponsored by host cities. The joy and camaraderie shared between the citizenry of Boston and Scotland’s “Tartan Army” of fans is but one example of how the “Beautiful Game” brings people together. Friendships forged across continents are likely to endure well beyond the Cup final. Even those achievements cannot be seen as unalloyed, however. As South African football fan Byron Pillay commented to Al Jazeera, “Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason, for its ability to unite people. But it’s hard to believe in that magic with the politics and war rhetoric off the field of play, especially when one of the tournament hosts is central to that.” Ultimately, the experience of the 2026 FIFA World Cup illustrates that, as international sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. As long as there is the possibility of diplomatic progress in mediating estrangement between governments or between peoples, there is a broad and overarching public interest in international sport. Likewise, as it would be difficult to put on an international sport mega-event without international sporting organizations like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), global media firms, and companies purchasing sponsorships, public and private interests in international sport must coexist, most likely somewhere on a shifting spectrum between partnership and rivalry or cross purposes. As the World Cup wraps up, the IOC needs to consider its lessons before the scheduled 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they want to avoid a media-hyped Trump version of the 1936 Berlin Olympiad. The IOC and the National Olympic Committees need to set conditions on and make demands of Trump’s government with clearly articulated consequences for non-compliance, up to and including cancellation of the Games. Time is running out for the IOC, as unlike with the FIFA World Cup, there is no at-the-ready alternate venue for Los Angeles.
More than half of House Democrats vote to cut Israel aid in growing split
It stands as a stark accounting of the shifting attitudes dividing the Democratic Party over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war strategy
Ex-General Who Lost Son in Gaza War Emerges as Netanyahu’s Main Rival
Gadi Eisenkot, a former head of Israel’s armed forces, has emerged as the main challenger to Benjamin Netanyahu in upcoming elections that could end the premiership of the country’s longest-serving leader.
‘I don’t know anything about his politics, but I think he should be popular’: Trump dodges question on Netanyahu endorsement
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As Israel Loses Support in the U.S., Rahm Emanuel Criticizes Netanyahu
The former Chicago mayor, a Democrat exploring a 2028 presidential run, is in Tel Aviv calling for an end to unconditional U.S. support of Israel.
Rahm Emanuel to denounce Netanyahu during Tel Aviv speech as American politics shift against Israel
According to remarks obtained by The Associated Press, Emanuel on Wednesday will criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for leading Israel to a "dead end" and say unconditional U.S. support has been a mistake.
Rahm Emanuel to deliver bracing message in Tel Aviv as American politics shifting against Israel
Rahm Emanuel, a potential Democratic presidential candidate and longtime defender of Israel, will denounce Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv this week and deliver a bracing message that the country's relationship with the United States is "at a crossroads."