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Articles by David Shavin
Israel's Eisenkot Harshly Rebukes Lieberman's Blackmail, Defends Work with Arab Parties
After Yisrael Beitenu party leader Avigdor Lieberman’s threat to Gadi Eisenkot that he would take his seven seats out of a coalition, thus undermining Eisenkot’s majority to govern, if Eisenkot engaged in any sort of collaboration with either Israeli Arab party, Eisenkot issued a lengthy post reasserting the upper hand over Lieberman. His lengthy post read, in part: “Israel is in a state of genuine, tangible and dangerous emergency.
Lieberman Tries Blackmailing Eisenkot, Pushing for 'Netanyahu' Without Netanyahu
The possibility of Jewish-Arab collaboration to end the Netanyahu regime and its deployment of Israel into permanent war and instability in the region has provoked a desperate response. The UK’s Tony Blair has rushed to Israel, holding meetings yesterday with Prime Minister Netanyahu and then President Isaac Herzog. Herzog was in the middle of a two-day marathon of talks with Israel’s 11 different political parties, which tilted heavily in favor of dumping Netanyahu.
Russia Awaits End of Europe's 'Prolonged Indecision' Over Joint Security Guarantees
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made clear today that a security arrangement for Europe and Russia was key for peace and that, so far, Europe has never made any such proposal. He was asked, as reported by TASS, about a comment of U.S. President Trump, who, after meeting with Russian special presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, had said that “there’s going to be a big agreement” that would not only bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end but also concern all of Europe.
Over 850 Jewish Leaders Call on Israeli Leaders to Form a Jewish-Arab Coalition
Haaretz reported this morning that “over 500 leading figures from across the Jewish Diaspora, including rabbis, community leaders, professors and former diplomats, signed an open letter published yesterday, urging the heads of Israel’s opposition parties to unite to replace the current government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump Meets With Putin's Special Envoy Dmitriev
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters today that he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Asked about the meeting, all he would say, as reported by AP, is that the Russia-Ukraine war was very close to being settled: “It’s going to be an agreement. It’s going to be a big agreement, and it’s going to involve more than Ukraine... I could even say it might involve all of Europe.
All Anti-Netanyahu Parties Unite to Give Eisenkot a 67-46 Lead
All the anti-Netanyahu factions pulled together and gave Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot a strong majority (67 to Netanyahu’s 46) to become the next Prime Minister. This was announced by Israeli President Isaac Herzog after he finished meeting today with all of the parties in the Knesset.
Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Agency Raids Ukraine's Security Service (and Vice Versa)
Ukraine’s corruption investigation has initiated searches of the top leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). There were reported to be somewhere between 50 and 100 raids yesterday.
Can Eisenkot Keep a Desperate Netanyahu from Launching a Major War?
As moves are made to oust Netanyahu, and Netanyahu becomes increasingly trapped, can Gadi Eisenkot and Israel’s defense establishment keep him from playing his last card—launching a major war? Aside from Netanyahu’s overweening ego and lust for power, it might also be his ‘Keep Out of Jail’ card. It is clear the matter is on the mind of Gadi Eisenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and the likely candidate to replace Netanyahu.
Israel's Next Government in Herzog's Hands—and He Slams Netanyahu, Twice
Israeli President Isaac Herzog received the country’s official election results today and began his interviews with the Knesset’s 11 parties, prior to selecting someone to form the next government. Upon receiving the results, he promptly disassociated himself from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s racist campaign of accusing the Arabs of stealing the election. Herzog stated: “I hold Arab society in Israel in great respect.
ON ELECTION DAY, TRUMP DECLARES U.S.’S ANNUAL $4 BILLION FOR ISRAEL IS OVER
President Trump generated a lot of commentary today with his remarks that he was cutting off Israel from their annual $4 billion of direct funding from the U.S. What he actually said this morning on Fox & Friends was along these lines: “We were giving them $4 billion. We are, but it gets cut off at the end of the year.” Then when host Brian Kilmeade asked why, the president replied, “Because they don’t need it,” and that Israeli officials had told him as much.
On Election Day, Trump Declares U.S.'s Annual $4 Billion for Israel Is Over
President Trump generated a lot of commentary today with his remarks that he was cutting off Israel from their annual $4 billion of direct funding from the U.S. What he actually said this morning on Fox & Friends was along these lines: “We were giving them $4 billion. We are, but it gets cut off at the end of the year.” Then when host Brian Kilmeade asked why, the president replied, “Because they don’t need it,” and that Israeli officials had told him as much.
Russian and Ukrainian Human Rights Collaborators Invited to White House
The White House announced today that the Russians and Ukrainians involved in the Alyoshki/Oleshky rescue operation have been invited to the White House for a Thursday event hosted by Melania Trump. The White House said: “Mrs. Trump independently initiated engagement between the two warring nations and successfully secured a ceasefire in Oleshky and the surrounding Kherson region.
Netanyahu Brandishes the Race Card, Trying To Break Up Anti-Netanyahu Majority
An increasingly desperate Benjamin Netanyahu, after Sunday evening’s joint presentation by Israeli officials rejecting his “Arabs stole the election” narrative, clung fiercely to his race card yesterday. He explained that Eisenkot’s bloc, formed explicitly to drive him from office, should join him in a “broad national government,” led, of course, by him. Why? A “clear majority of the Jewish public” had chosen Likud as the largest party and himself to lead the next government.
Israel's 'Change' Bloc Plans a 'National Emergency Government' To Quickly Dump Netanyahu
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to begin his discussions with the Knesset factions on Wednesday, in order to determine which grouping has the best chance of pulling together a government. This morning, Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot convened the first post-election meeting with the other four leaders of the bloc: Yachad chairman Naftali Bennett; Yachad’s second, Yair Lapid; The Democrats head Yair Golan; and Yisrael Beytenu chief Avigdor Lieberman.
Major Brawl Between Ukrainian Civilians and National Guard Over 'Recruiting' Operation
There have been many confrontations in Ukraine over the military “recruiting” practices, e.g., seizing men off the street. However, last night took matters to a new level. In a Kiev suburb, around 200 locals confronted the National Guard’s 1st Azov Corps at a secretive private facility, where some 40 new ‘recruits’ were being held in a basement. Tear gas and warning shots were used before the head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, showed up.
Polish Foreign Ministry Tells Belarus to Ignore Dr. Clifford Kiracofe & Schiller Institute
The Polish Foreign Ministry’s long-time media operation inside Belarus, called Belsat, featured today a lengthy ‘hit’ job against political scientist Dr. Cliff Kiracofe, president of the Washington Institute for Peace and Development and a regular participant in Schiller Institute conferences.
Israel's 'Arab' Parties Gaining Traction with Israel's Anti-Netanyahu Zionists
Israel’s Palestinian citizens, represented by the ‘Arab’ parties, are taking a serious and realistic approach in their dealings with the Zionist, anti-Netanyahu bloc of Gadi Eisenkot.
Netanyahu Plan to Offer Opposition a Deal Hampered by Lack of Trust
Israel’s present Prime Minister Netanyahu’s options are diminishing, as his effort to keep the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot from working with the Arab parties is crumbling. In the last 24 hours, the Election Commission tossed aside his claim that the Arab parties stole the election, and Eisenkot’s bloc is discussing with the Arab parties increased collaboration.
Israeli President to Choose Netanyahu or Eisenkot, As Netanyahu's Race-Baiting is Rejected
On Nov. 4, the next big step in Israel’s selection of the next Prime Minister occurs. As reported in the Times of Israel, Israeli President Isaac Herzog explained today at a state memorial for Chaim Weizmann: “This coming Wednesday, I will receive the official election results from the Central Elections Committee chairman... Afterward, I will begin consultations at the President’s Residence.
Eisenkot Opens Door to Jewish-Arab Coalition To Replace Netanyahu
The leader of the Israeli opposition to Prime MInister Netanyahu, and the man most capable of replacing him after the Israeli election, Gadi Eisenkot, posted yesterday his message to Israelis. He started by announcing actions in the Knesset, which opens on Nov. 9, even before a new government is organized. Some of these actions involved coordination with the Arab parties. He stated: “I intend to act to realize the clear parliamentary majority immediately, for the benefit of all Israeli citizens.
U.S. Warns Russia of Terror Attack, As Moscow Detains Neo-Nazi-Influenced Teenager
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), as reported by TASS, said that, while checking U.S. intelligence regarding a potential terror attack on Moscow, they detained a teenager who had posted on TikTok suggesting that he would attack the Tsaritsyno Museum. Yesterday, the museum had been cleared out, as a precaution.
Golan and Eisenkot Move to Stop a Netanyahu War
Yair Golan, a reserve major general in the Israel Defense Forces and the leader of The Democrats, warned on Army Radio today, as reported by Haaretz that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would launch military actions against Iran to further his political goals, saying the prime minister lacks the legitimacy to lead a renewed round of attacks, and urged a quick formation of a new government in light of the election results.
Pope Calls Russian-Ukrainian Cooperation in Oleshky Humanitarian Operation a Step Towards Dialogue
Pope Leo XIV today, according to Vatican News appealed to those responsible for the ongoing war in Ukraine for “greater willingness to engage in dialogue and lead to new concrete initiatives for peace.” Speaking during his Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said: “In recent days, a humanitarian operation has been carried out to assist the civilian population in the city of Oleshky.
Mustafa Barghouti: Removing Netanyahu Is the Top Priority
Euronews’ Europe Today interviewed Mustafa Barghouti (a distant cousin of the famed political prisoner, Marwan Barghouti), who is the General Secretary of a West Bank political party, the Palestinian National Initiative (PNI), also known as al-Mubadara. Mustafa Barghouti’s message to Palestinians and Israel’s ‘Arab’ parties: Even though Eisenkot’s opposition grouping is completely flawed, the pressing need for Palestinians is to remove Netanyahu.
Israeli Protesters Chant: 'The People Have Decided - Jewish-Arab Partnership'
In Israel, the anti-Netanyahu bloc, on one level, has a simple decision to make—cut a deal with Netanyahu to be part of his government, or join with the so-called ‘Arab’ parties and form their own government. Yesterday, about 200 people demonstrated outside the home of Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, to urge him to form a government with the support of Arab parties, and end the Netanyahu regime.
Baskin: When the Practical Doesn't Work, Israel Must Do What's Deemed Impossible
Today’s Times of Israel published perhaps the most feasible proposal for Israel’s survival: to walk away from the practical non-solutions and embrace the one deemed impossible.
Golan Steps Forward To Organize an Israeli Gov't with Arab Parties, without Netanyahu
Yair Golan, the head of Israel’s Democrats party, announced today that he is taking the initiative to meet with the other party leaders in the anti-Netanyahu bloc, starting with two meetings on Thursday.
Israeli Election Deadlock: Opposition Must Submit to Netanyahu or Work with Israeli Arabs
With 97.63% of ballots counted in Israel’s national election, the anti-Netanyahu blocs hold 67 legislative seats, while the Netanyahu bloc has 53. Next week, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, after meeting with at least present Prime Minister Netanyahu and the leader of the ‘Change’ bloc, former Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, is to choose whom he judges has the best chance of forming a new government. It takes 61 members of the 120-member Knesset to form a majority-rule government.
Netanyahu Gang, Desperate To Eliminate the ‘Arab Party’ Option, Claims Arabs Stole the Election!
The only chance in Israel that the Change bloc, led by Gen. (ret.) Gadi Eisenkot, has to replace Prime Minister Netanyahu, is to make a deal with the two “Arab” parties, which will likely hold 19 seats in the Knesset. Netanyahu’s gang recognizes this, and they have been threatening that anyone in the Eisenkot opposition who dares to work with the Arab parties will have their political careers ended.
Russia: 'Reasonable Forces Are Forming' in the U.S.; Europe Addicted to Colonialism
Russia clearly recognizes that there are Americans who “want peace, they want cooperation... and they regard Russia as a potentially significant partner, despite all propaganda,” according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov. He was briefing reporters at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. According to TASS, he said that they are not among the so-called political elite.
Massive Rejection of Netanyahu, Record Vote for Arab Parties, but No One Has Direct Path to Govern
What is known about Israel’s national election today, as of the time of this report (evening EST), is: First, that today was the highest vote turnout, by far, since 1999, with 77.7% of the electorate voting, no other vote over that period surpassing 72%. Second, a record vote total for Israel’s Arab parties yielded 18 Knesset members.
Russian Diesel Production and Potential Exports Show a Dramatic Increase
Since the Oct. 9 phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian oil refineries have increased crude processing by 25% over the level during the first week of October, according to a report by Reuters based upon three industry sources. Previously, the regular attacks by Ukrainian drones had resulted in Moscow banning exports of gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel.
Leaders of Finland and Norway Made Minor History by Speaking with Putin Today
Putin received a phone call today from Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and, according to the Kremlin, they discussed efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Truce in Oleshky, Russian Military Sends in Food and Medicine
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, as a local ceasefire began today after midnight, their Kostroma Guards Airborne Regiment began delivering food and other essentials to the 2,000 or so trapped residents of Oleshky (Alyoshki). Supplies have been prevented from entering the town for many months, as the low-lying area on the east of the Dnepr River has been under constant fire from Ukrainian forces on the higher western bank.
Ukraine Reports Economic and Budgetary Decline
Ukraine’s Economics Ministry four months ago revised downward its forecast for GDP growth in 2026, from 2.4% to 1.6%. Now, it is cutting the 1. 6% for 2026 at least down to the 0.1–0.6% range. Minister of Economy and Environment Oleksandr Kravchenko, as reported by Ukrinform, told the Kyiv International Economic Forum: “We are now revising the forecast again.
European Union's Auditor Warns of Soaring Debt
The EU bloc’s debt grew 23% last year, from €601 billion in 2024 to €739 billion in 2025. Now its chief auditor, president of the European Court of Auditors Tony Murphy, told Rapporteur that Europe’s budget situation is a “pressure cooker,” with EU debt potentially rising €261 billion more by the end of 2027, reaching €1 trillion ($1.12 trillion) by that time.
Netanyahu Goes Scorched Earth in West Bank Days Before the Election
Today in the West Bank, five Israeli soldiers were reportedly shot by two Palestinians. Two of the soldiers died and both of the Palestinian gunmen were killed. An average day in the West Bank witnesses four attacks by Israeli settlers and over ten injured Palestinians, of which two are children. One Palestinian is killed per day and, every fifth day on average, the Palestinian killed is a child.
Final Poll Has Netanyahu and Eisenkot Deadlocked, Far Short of Ruling Majority
The latest poll in Israel, released five days before the Oct. 27 national election, has Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s election alliance in a deadlock with the opposition alliance led by Yashar party’s Gen. (ret.) Gadi Eisenkot. Each of the two blocs is set to receive 51 seats in Israel’s 120-member Knesset, where it takes 61 members to form the next government.
Deutsche Bank CEO Tells France: More Pain Ahead, a Necessary Wake-Up Call
After yesterday’s punishment of France by the markets, the head of Germany’s flagship bank, Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing, weighed in—not to actually explain anything new—but to deliver the message that there is more of the same to come, and that French politicians must not buckle as they take a knife to the living standards of the population. How does that sound in banker-ese?
Dmitry Trenin: Security Framework for Ukraine & Russia Is Key, Not Current Western Offers
Russian International Affairs Council President Dmitry Trenin, as reported by TASS, told Vedomosti that, if the package of conditions that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff brought were the same as those mentioned in the Western media, it is a non-starter for Russia. Rather, Moscow agreed to discuss not so much the settlement itself as possible ways to establish a security framework for Russia and Ukraine after the conflict ends.
Some Europeans Wonder If They Now Have to Talk With Russia
There are fresh concerns in Europe that U.S.-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine may not be as easy to disrupt as previously, giving rise to the realization that the ‘never speak with Moscow’ line may have to give way to the line, ‘we have to talk with Moscow or be cut out.’ Politico cited Czech President Petr Pavel saying that the EU should “identify a person or a group of people who would speak for Europe.
Netanyahu Feigns a Full-Scale Air Attack on Iran
There have been various reports throughout October regarding the possible timing of a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran; the prime concern is what its effect would be on the elections—whether it be the U.S. midterm elections or the Oct. 27 Israeli elections. The Times of Israel (TOI) reported late last night that Netanyahu had Israeli jets feign a full-scale jet attack on Iran on Oct. 19, presumably in a desperate ploy to restart the war on the eve of the Israeli elections.
Poland Objects to Latest Neo-Nazi Revival in Ukraine
Ukraine is trying to convince Poland that it has its neo-Nazis under control. The most recent resurgence, on Oct. 20, had the Lviv Regional Council (LRC) declaring 2027 to be the Year of Roman Shukhevych and the UPA. Both are infamous for collaborating with the Nazis in World War II in the murder of Poles, Russians, and Jews. The Council reportedly decided to organize “cultural, memorial, scientific, and mass media events,” as well as exhibitions and national-patriotic rallies in their honor.
AIPAC Concedes It Has Been the Kiss of Death in 2026 Electoral Cycle
With political endorsements and funding by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) having been turned into the kiss of death, AIPAC announced that they will try to pursue their goals by going underground.
Peskov: Russia, U.S. Must Address Nuclear Warheads and Strategic Stability
Yesterday, prior to today’s meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov provided reporters a preview of what could be several discussions leading to Putin meeting with Trump in November.
CHINA TELLS ISRAEL: PALESTINIAN ISSUE’S THE ‘GREATEST HISTORICAL INJUSTICE OF THIS CENTURY’
Israeli President Isaac Herzog reached out to China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of Thursday’s session of the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. Herzog, according to Xinhua, recalled that the two peoples helped each other during the World Anti-Fascist War, a memorable chapter in history.
AFTER SURGERY, POPE ADDRESSES ST. PETER’S SQUARE CROWD IN A ‘FIRM, CLEAR VOICE’
After his surgery for lung cancer, Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance today, greeting crowds in St. Peter’s Square.
Over Half a Million Take to Streets in France; Anarchists, Provocateurs Deploy to Discredit Them
Yesterday, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in France in protests. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted to some 550,000 protesters, while France’s CGT claimed 800,000. While the official figure was said to be 110,000 in Paris, a larger figure was estimated by organizers. The spiraling cost of living, along with the government’s incapacity and/or unwillingness to address the matter, has driven the demonstrations to new heights.
China Tells Israel: Palestinian Issue's the 'Greatest Historical Injustice of this Century'
Israeli President Isaac Herzog reached out to China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of Thursday’s session of the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. Herzog, according to Xinhua, recalled that the two peoples helped each other during the World Anti-Fascist War, a memorable chapter in history.
After Surgery, Pope Addresses St. Peter's Square Crowd in a 'Firm, Clear Voice'
After his surgery for lung cancer, Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance today, greeting crowds in St. Peter’s Square. He spoke from the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace in a firm, clear voice: “Having overcome this delicate phase... I will now gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers.” The Pope, who was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital yesterday, came to the window in the palace unaided, and held his weekly midday appointment as usual.
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