World News Briefs -- April 9, 2019



CNBC: Israeli voters head to the polls in one of the ‘most unsavory’ campaigns in country’s history

* Roughly 6.3 million Israeli voters are expected to cast their ballots today in an election that will have major implications for both Israelis and Palestinians.
* Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces his toughest challenge yet after months of being dogged by corruption and bribery allegations.
* Top opposition candidate Benny Gantz, a former army general, leads a center-left coalition but is currently trailing in close polls.

Roughly 6.3 million Israelis are expected to cast their ballots today in an election that will have serious implications for the legacy of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for Palestinians, and for Israel’s relationship with the rest of the Middle East.

Netanyahu faces his toughest challenge yet after months of being dogged by corruption and bribery allegations. His top competitor Benny Gantz, a former army general, who leads a center-left coalition. If Netanyahu wins — and polls are currently giving him a lead, though it remains close — the 69-year-old will become the longest-serving prime minister in the country’s history.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel votes in pivotal elections. Polls open in high-stakes election in Israel.

Syria joint patrols: Russia and Turkey announce Idlib deal.

Erdoğan's AKP party seeks rerun of Istanbul mayoral election.

Iran denounces terrorist designation for military unit as 'vicious move'.

Iran hits back at U.S. for blacklist, threatens nuclear development.

Iran's MPs don uniform of Revolutionary Guard in protest at US.

Germany to join UN monitoring mission in Yemen: reports.

Turkish authorities reject Erdogan party's request for full recount.

ASIA

U.N. fears as many as 30 Rohingya killed in Myanmar assault.

Protesters warn of Chinese 'invasion' of Philippines.

India's Modi eyes win in world's biggest election.

Kazakhstan's interim president calls snap elections for June.

'Maoist' attack in India's Chhattisgarh kills BJP lawmaker.

Landmark Papua New Guinea natural gas deal signed.

Hong Kong 'Umbrella Movement' leaders found guilty for role in mass protests.

AFRICA

Haftar’s forces continue push into Tripoli as Libya crisis escalates.

Libyans flee to Tunisia as fight for Tripoli intensifies.

U.N. condemns airstrike on Tripoli airport.

Libya: UN urges immediate halt to fighting.

Sudan: Security forces crack down on surging anti-Bashir protest.

With army appeal, Sudan protesters test Bashir’s ‘coup-proof’ regime.

Algeria's parliament confirms Bensalah as interim president. 'Out with system': Algeria protesters reject interim president.

Algeria protests: Police use water cannon to disperse demonstrators.

Survival in arid eastern Chad depends on struggle for water.

Critics urge Trump to address rights concerns during Sisi meeting.

EUROPE

Germany to agree to Brexit delay but France sets conditions as May arrives in Paris.

One-year Brexit delay too long for France: Macron aide.

EU to agree another delay but threatens with June 1 Brexit: draft.

France and Germany concerned about Polish judiciary.

Putin mocks Mueller report: ‘a mountain gave birth to a mouse’.

Greek conservative leader eyes EU vote victory, PM post in election by autumn.

Romania's ex-leader Iliescu charged over 1989 uprising.

Political quarrels disqualify Bosnia from Europe's top body.

AMERICAS

Trump: Court defeat on asylum policy 'unfair to US'. US judge blocks Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' asylum policy.

US attorney general ready to release Mueller report 'within a week'. Barr says Mueller report will be released 'within a week'. Barr: Mueller declined to review my letter.

Colombia's president target of planned 'terrorist act'.

Canada's golden boy Trudeau sinks in polls as scandal takes toll.

Brazil's Bolsonaro plans new trip to U.S., China and Middle Eastern countries.

Inspired by migrant caravans, new wave of Cubans seek U.S. asylum.

Trump administration scuttles MLB-Cuba baseball deal.

New York measles emergency declared in Brooklyn.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

German IS member on trial for war crimes in Munich.

Trump sees progress with Egypt on terrorism as he meets Sisi.

Four police, three civilians killed in bomb attack in North Sinai: ministry.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World economy facing delicate moment, IMF says.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang braces for EU meeting as Brexit takes up Brussels’ attention.

US threatens EU with new tariffs over Airbus subsidies.

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