International
Netanyahu faces delicate balancing act in US after Biden exits race
Netanyahu faces delicate balancing act in US after Biden exits race
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the US this week under pressure to end the Gaza war, from both Israelis and the US administration. How might the political turbulence in Washington shape the trip and future relations?
Mr Netanyahu is set to meet Joe Biden – if the president has recovered from Covid-19 – and address a joint session of Congress, the only foreign leader to do so for a fourth time.
The trip offers him a platform for a reset with Washington after months of tensions over his hardline approach to the war, and an opportunity to try and convince Israelis that he hasn’t undermined relations with their most important ally.
But it is overshadowed by President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election, highlighting political uncertainties about Israel’s next partner in the White House and possibly eclipsing some of the attention on Mr Netanyahu’s visit.
The prime minister got a lot of unwelcome attention in Israel until the moment he boarded the plane.
A drumbeat of protests demanded that he stay home and focus on a ceasefire deal with Hamas to free Israeli hostages.
“Until he has signed the deal that’s on the table, I do not see how he picks up and flies across the Atlantic to address the American political chaos,” said Lee Siegel, one of the family members who has come out to demonstrate. His 65-year-old brother Keith is a captive in Gaza.
The trip is a political move, he added, unless Mr Netanyahu stops being a “hurdle” and signs the ceasefire agreement.
Mr Siegel reflected a widespread view that Mr Netanyahu is slow-rolling the process for his own political reasons, roiling his negotiators when he recently threw new conditions into talks that seemed to be making progress.
The prime minister has been accused of bowing to pressure from two far-right cabinet ministers who’ve threatened to bring down his government if he makes concessions to Hamas.
These perceptions have added to frustrations in the White House, which announced the latest formula for talks and had been expressing optimism an agreement could be achieved.
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Mr Biden remains one of the most pro-Israel presidents to sit in the Oval Office, a self-declared Zionist who’s been lauded by Israelis for his support and empathy, cemented by his flight to Israel just days after the Hamas attacks on 7 October.
But since then, he’s grown alarmed at the cost of Mr Netanyahu’s demand for a “total victory” against Hamas in Gaza.
The administration is frustrated with the Israeli prime minister for rejecting a post war solution that involves pursuing a Palestinian state.
It’s angry with him for resisting appeals to do more to protect Palestinian civilians and increase the flow of aid to them. It’s facing a domestic backlash over the mounting death toll in Gaza. And it’s worried that the conflict is spreading to the region.
As Joe Biden’s presidency weakened in the swirl of controversy over his abilities, analysts said there might be less room for him to keep up the pressure on the Israeli prime minister.
But Mr Biden’s decision to drop out of the race could actually have strengthened his hand, says Ehud Barak, a former Israeli prime minister and a critic of Mr Netanyahu.
“He is not a lame duck in regard to foreign policy, in a way he’s more independent (because) he doesn’t have to take into account any impact on the voters,” Mr Barak told the BBC.
“With regard to Israel probably he feels more of a free hand to do what really needs to be done.”
Mr Barak believes it was a mistake for Congress to invite Mr Netanyahu to speak, saying that many Israelis blame him for policy failures that allowed the Hamas attack to happen, and three out of four want him to resign.
“The man does not represent Israel,” he said. “He lost the trust of Israelis…And it kind of sends a wrong signal to Israelis, probably a wrong signal to Netanyahu himself, when the American Congress invites him to appear as if he is saving us.”
Whatever politics he may be playing, Mr Netanyahu insists military pressure must continue because it has significantly weakened Hamas after a series of strikes against the military leadership.
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In comments before departing Israel, he suggested that would be the tone of his meeting with President Biden.
“It will also be an opportunity to discuss with him how to advance in the months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries,” he said, “achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies and ensuring that all Israel’s citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south.”
He’s expected to bring the same message to congress, “seeking to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important to Israel”.
The reality is that Mr Netanyahu’s polices have fractured that bipartisan support. The Republicans are rallying around him, but criticism from Democrats has grown.
The Democratic Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer caused a small earthquake in Washington recently when he stood up in the chambers and said Mr Netanyahu was one of the obstacles standing in the way of a lasting peace with Palestinians.
“I hope the prime minister understands the anxiety of many members in congress and addresses them,” the former US ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides, told the BBC at the weekend. He’d been addressing one of the many rallies demanding a hostage release.
That includes “on humanitarian issues and to articulate that this fight isn’t with the Palestinian people, it’s with Hamas.”
It’s a message that Kamala Harris would repeat if she were to become the Democratic nominee. There’d be no change in US policy: a commitment to Israel’s security while pushing for an end to the Gaza conflict and a plan for the Day After embedded in a regional peace with Arab states.
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But there might be a difference in tone.
Ms Harris does not share Mr Biden’s long history with and emotional ties to Israel. She’s from a different generation and “could more closely align with the sentiments of younger elements of the Democratic party,” says Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East.
“That’s a stance more likely to include restrictions on weapons, on munitions from the United States for use in Gaza,” he said.
Mr Netanyahu could very well use the visit to steer the conversation from the controversy over Gaza to the threat from Iran, a topic with which he’s far more comfortable, especially after the recent escalation with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
But his main audience will be domestic, says Tal Shalev, the diplomatic correspondent at Israel’s Walla News.
He wants to revive his image as “Mr America,” she says, the man who can best present Israel to the US, and to restore his image which was shattered by the October 7 attacks.
“When he goes to the US and speaks in front of Congress and [has] a meeting in the White House, for his electoral base, it’s the old Bibi is back again,” she says, referring to the prime minister by his nickname. “This is not the failed Bibi who was responsible for the seventh of October. This is the old Bibi who goes to the Congress and gets the standing ovations.”
It also gives him an opportunity to pursue connections with the former President Donald Trump at a time of great political flux in Washington.
“Netanyahu wants President Trump to win,” she says, “And he wants to make sure that he and President Trump are on good terms before the election.”
There is a widespread view that Mr. Netanyahu is playing for time, hoping for a Trump win that might ease some of the pressure he’s been facing from the Biden administration.
“There is a near-universal perception that Netanyahu is eager for a Trump victory, under the assumption that he will then be able to do whatever he wants,” writes Michael Koplow of Israel’s Policy Forum.
“No Biden pressuring him on a ceasefire or on West Bank settlements and settler violence… There are many reasons to doubt this reading of the landscape under a Trump restoration, but Netanyahu likely subscribes to it.”
The question is whether that pressure from Biden will ease as he steps away from the presidential race, or whether he will in fact use his remaining months in office to focus on achieving an end to the Gaza war.
Netanyahu faces delicate balancing act in US after Biden exits race
BBC
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International
Israel Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Retaliation for Missile Attack
Israel Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Retaliation for Missile Attack
Jerusalem/Tehran – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran early Monday, hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at northern Israel in the first direct attack between the two nations since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April.
The IDF said its aircraft struck military sites belonging to the “Iranian terror regime,” including areas near Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in those cities. The strikes also hit the Karun Mahshahr Petrochemical Company in Khuzestan Province, marking the first reported attack on an Iranian energy-related site since the April 8 ceasefire.
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, defended the strikes, stating that “no self-respecting country” would accept missile attacks on its territory. He added that Israel was targeting Iranian surface-to-surface missile launch sites and infrastructure not related to the energy sector.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that Israel used air-launched ballistic missiles in the strikes and warned that if Israel expands its attacks on southern Lebanon or responds further, it will face more “crushing and regretful blows.”
The Iranian missile barrage on Sunday targeted Israel’s Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel, according to the IRGC. The attack was in response to recent Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The IDF said it intercepted the incoming projectiles, with no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage in Israel.
The IRGC claimed its forces struck two Israeli air bases—Nevatim and Tel Nof—during the operation it codenamed “Victory” (Nasr). Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that the Mahshahr special petrochemical economic zone was being evacuated following the Israeli strikes. The Tehran fire department confirmed that no urban areas in the capital had been targeted, with explosions limited to military sites. Iran temporarily closed the airspace around Tehran’s main international airport following the attacks.
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President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise restraint and avoid retaliatory action to preserve de-escalation efforts, telling Axios, “Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate… Each of them had their fun. We don’t need another one.” However, Israel proceeded with the strikes despite the president’s appeal. Trump told the Financial Times that Netanyahu “doesn’t call the shots” and would have “no choice” but to accept a deal with Iran, signaling a widening rift between the two allies as the administration seeks to wind down the conflict.
The exchanges mark the latest breach of the fragile ceasefire arrangements that followed the wider U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began in late February 2026. A senior U.S. official described Israel’s strikes as “relatively limited” in scope. The escalation threatens to derail sensitive talks to end the wider conflict and cast the region back into chaos. Iran has demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon before an accord can be reached with the U.S., while Hezbollah last week rejected a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
No immediate casualty figures were available from the Iranian side. Both countries have issued warnings of further escalation as the situation continues to develop, with the IDF calling up reserve battalions and reinforcing fronts, including forces continuing operations in southern Lebanon.
Israel Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Retaliation for Missile Attack
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International
Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK
Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK
London, United Kingdom – The music world is in mourning following the tragic death of Grammy-winning Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Mark Yinka Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, who was stabbed to death in east London on Friday morning. He was 35 years old.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, on Rayleigh Road in Silvertown, east London. Police responded to reports of a stabbing and discovered Riley in the garden of a property suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite emergency services’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim, a man in his 20s, was also found with multiple stab wounds and was transported to a hospital. As of Sunday evening, he remained receiving treatment, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation. Three suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of murder: a 27-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, and a 25-year-old woman.
According to police statements, the 27-year-old suspect has been released on bail pending further enquiries, while the 24-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have been released with no further action.
In a heartbreaking statement released through police, Riley’s family described their loss with overwhelming sadness.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi, professionally known as Talay Riley, passed away yesterday morning,” the family statement read.
They continued: “Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling songwriter and artist. For those that knew and loved him personally, it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”
The family also described Riley as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He brought love, light, and joy to our family and to all who knew him. We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit, and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Riley’s younger brother, Michael Orabiyi Riley, known professionally as Scribz Riley—a successful music producer and songwriter in his own right—shared an emotional tribute on Instagram that revealed the heartbreaking details of their final conversation.
“I never thought the day would come where I’d be writing this, but unfortunately I can confirm that in the morning of Friday 5th June my big brother YINKA (Talay Riley) passed away,” he wrote.
“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do. I never imagined that would be our last conversation.”
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He continued: “Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was my mother’s son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives. Even with everything you accomplished this was far too soon. I love you brother. Thank you for everything. Rest in paradise Yinka. Until we meet again.”
Born Mark Yinka Orabiyi in London in 1990, Talay Riley had Nigerian heritage and grew up in East London in a family where music played a central role. He entered the music industry at the young age of 18 after securing a publishing deal with Global Publishing.
His career gained wider recognition following a feature on Chip’s 2009 single ‘Look For Me,’ after which he signed with Jive/Sony Records. Over the years, he toured across the United Kingdom and the United States, sharing stages with major artists including Skepta, Usher, and Trey Songz.
However, it was behind the scenes that Riley made some of his most significant marks. He built an impressive songwriting portfolio that included credits on tracks for some of the biggest names in pop and R&B. His songwriting credits include Chip’s UK No.1 hit ‘Oopsy Daisy,’ Khalid’s global smash ‘Young Dumb & Broke,’ Dua Lipa’s ‘Last Dance,’ as well as work with H.E.R., Chris Brown, Usher, Britney Spears, Kehlani, Craig David, Ella Mai, Nick Jonas, Zendaya, Tinie Tempah, and The Chainsmokers. At the time of his death, he had 76,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
News of Riley’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from across the music industry, with fellow artists and collaborators sharing their shock and condolences on social media.
Craig David, who worked with Riley, commented: “Sending so much love to you & the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt & shown from the other side.”
Kehlani shared: “Big hugs scribz i’m so sorry.”
R&B superstar Khalid wrote: “I’m so sorry bro… im sending you so much love.”
Riley’s longtime friend and collaborator, rapper Chip, delivered an emotional tribute on Instagram: “You aint deserve to go out like that fam. Fly high bro. Your pen will live forever. What a day man. What a life. RIP Talay Riley. I’ll cherish the memories forever fam. Prayers and thoughts go out to your family.”
Stormzy was also among the famous artists to pay tribute to the singer. This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes commented: “May he rest in peace. I will always remember how kind he was to everyone and his friendly smile.”
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation, appealed to the public for assistance.
“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mark’s family and loved ones,” she said.
“We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have CCTV or other footage from the morning of the incident that could assist our investigation.”
Specialist officers are providing support to Riley’s family during this difficult time. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 1868/5JUN, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Grammy-Winning Nigerian-British Singer Stabbed to Death in UK
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International
Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire
Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire
JERUSALEM/TEHRAN – Iran on Sunday launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, escalating tensions in the Middle East as Tehran warned that further attacks would continue for days and could expand to include more targets linked to Israel and the United States.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the strikes as a warning to Israel, saying the action was a response to what it called Israeli aggression, including an earlier attack on Lebanon. According to the IRGC, ballistic missiles were fired at the Ramat David Airbase, located southeast of the northern Israeli city of Haifa. The group also accused the United States and Israel of violating commitments under a ceasefire agreement that took effect in early April.
In a statement, the IRGC declared: “This operation is not a passing event, but rather the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes.” It added: “Waves of missiles and drones will continue to be launched around the clock for the next seven days until the enemy is deterred and ceases its crimes.” The IRGC further warned that “any targeting of Iranian territory will be met with a devastating and overwhelming response beyond all expectation.” The Iranian military body further warned that if Israel repeated what it described as aggressive actions, its response would be wider in scope and would target all American and Israeli interests across the region.
IRGC Aerospace Commander Majid Mousavi declared “promise fulfilled” following the strikes, according to Iranian media reports. Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, wrote on X: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stated that it will not tolerate violations of the ceasefire and aggression against Lebanon. Tonight, the aggressors received their response.”
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United States President Donald Trump called on Iran to halt further attacks and resume diplomatic engagement following the missile launches. The White House confirmed Trump had been briefed on the strikes. A Fox News correspondent quoted Trump as saying: “You’ve shot your missiles. That’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal.” Trump also reportedly expressed displeasure with Israel’s earlier strike on Beirut, telling Fox News: “I’m not happy about it.” According to Axios, Trump said he was in contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding: “I’m calling Netanyahu right now and telling him not to attack Iran in response.”
The Jerusalem Post later reported that Trump asked Netanyahu to avoid striking Iran in retaliation. “If Netanyahu strikes them back, it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or last 3,000 years,” Trump said. “We can achieve peace after 3,000 years.”
Israel’s military said its air defence systems had successfully responded to the attack. The Israel Air Force said it had intercepted “all the missiles launched from Iran so far.” It added that “additional launches” had been detected and that Israeli forces were continuing efforts to track and neutralise incoming threats. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that sirens had been sounded in “several areas across the country.” An IDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Effie Defrin, stated that Iran had made a “grave mistake” and that Israel was “prepared for the possibility of additional fire.”
However, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir struck a more aggressive tone, posting in Hebrew on X: “Tonight, Tehran must burn!” following the attacks on northern Israel. Senior Israeli officials told Channel 12 News that Israel will “respond forcefully” to the Iranian missile attacks, adding that Israel “cannot allow a situation in which Iran fires at Israel in response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut.”
The Iranian attack occurred hours after Israel struck southern Beirut — the first attack on the Lebanese capital since a US-brokered truce was reached last week. Two air strikes on two residential apartment buildings in the Dahieh district — a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah — killed at least two people and injured at least 20, including women and children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Anadolu Ajansı reported that the death toll from Sunday’s Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon had risen to eight killed and 13 injured. At least two of those killed were in the Beirut strike, while six others died in airstrikes on villages in the Nabatieh area.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had struck “terrorist headquarters in the Dahieh district of Beirut, in response to Hezbollah’s firing at Israeli territory.” Hezbollah has since confirmed it fired at Israeli military positions. The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, claimed the army had targeted a Hezbollah infrastructure facility in the area. A joint statement by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the attack was carried out in response to Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel Sunday morning.
The escalation comes just months after a ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel came into effect in early April. Sebastian Usher, the BBC’s global affairs correspondent in Jerusalem, noted that the tension between Iran, Israel, and the US over Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon has been building in intensity in recent days. “The possibility of a major new escalation in Lebanon prompted President Trump to tell Netanyahu in the strongest possible language to hold back, for fear that any such action would derail the already fraying ceasefire between the US and Iran,” Usher wrote.
A sketchy new ceasefire was subsequently agreed between the Israeli and Lebanese governments at talks mediated by the US. But that ceasefire appeared to have collapsed after Israel carried out strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut in response to continued rocket fire by Hezbollah into Israel. “Much will now depend on Israel’s response,” Usher added. “There could be a new round of tit-for-tat attacks between the two countries that could reignite the Iran war. How President Trump reacts will also be key. For now, he still seems set on trying to defuse the situation.”
Israel has continued carrying out airstrikes in Lebanon since a Hezbollah cross-border attack in early March. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the overall death toll since the outbreak of the armed escalation on March 2 has climbed to 3,613, with 11,072 people injured. The IRGC, in its statement, accused the US and Israel of “failing to honour their commitments” under the ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel that came into effect in early April. The ceasefire had been seen as a rare diplomatic achievement in the region, but Sunday’s events suggest its foundations were fragile.
The situation remains highly volatile. Key developments to watch include Israel’s response, as Trump has urged restraint but hardliners in the Israeli cabinet including Ben-Gvir are pushing for retaliation; Iran’s promised week of strikes, as the IRGC has pledged to continue launching waves of missiles and drones for seven days; US diplomatic efforts, as President Trump has urged restraint from both sides but his influence over Netanyahu and Tehran may be tested in the coming days; and Hezbollah’s role, as the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon remains actively engaged, and any further Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory could trigger additional escalation.
Iran Fires Multiple Missile Waves at Israel in First Attack Since April Ceasefire
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