A general view shows the plenum during a session at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem July 11, 2016. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
A general view shows the plenum during a session at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem July 11, 2016. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Tel Aviv moves away from peace



On Monday, Israel’s parliament passed a law that will place special scrutiny on non-governmental organisations. It voted to impose special reporting requirements on NGOs that depend on foreign funding. While it dropped a provision that would force NGO representatives to wear special badges in parliament, the new law targets human rights groups such as B’Tselem that provide critical reporting on Israel’s occupation of the West Bank.

At its core, the new law erodes Israel’s democratic institutions by targeting organisations that call for an end of the occupation and hold a mirror up to society about the true face of Israel’s brutal treatment of Palestinians. The law comes amid a wave of anti-democratic legislation and threatening rhetoric from senior Israeli officials. This month, public security minister Gilad Erdan attacked Facebook with claims that it had “blood on its hands” for failing to curb Palestinian incitement.

The direction of travel with these unfounded outbursts and attacks on anti-occupation organisations is clear. Israel prefers to criminalise dissent and shoot the messenger rather than face up to the horrific nature of its occupation. For Palestinians, and the rest of the international community, this is sobering confirmation that Tel Aviv is unable and unwilling to find the desire to implement an equitable settlement to the conflict.

With a new prime minister in Britain and new president on the way in America, the international community must recognise the message that Israel is sending with these anti-democratic laws. Dissent about the occupation and constructive calls for peace with the Palestinians are becoming illegal in Israel. Organisations that document Israeli human rights abuses are monitored. Israeli leaders attack social media platforms.

In essence, Israel is not interested in peace and its extremist leadership captures this current mood with laws. Constructive forms of international pressure such as boycotts should now be considered for peace to have a chance.

Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
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Install an air filter in your home.

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
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Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Rating: 2/5
 
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What man of Honour, and to Honour bred
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More than a debt, the Emirates owe to Zayed
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What was, remains, essentially Alone.
Until the Golden Messenger, all-wise,
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- Roderic Fenwick Owen

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
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Scoreline

Chelsea 1
Azpilicueta (36')

West Ham United 1
Hernandez (73')

Disclaimer

Director: Alfonso Cuaron 

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville 

Rating: 4/5

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Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

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The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

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Transmission: 6-speed automatic

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The biog

Favourite food: Fish and seafood

Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends

Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!

Favourite country to visit: Italy

Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Family: We all have one!

Business Insights
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The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 420 bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: from Dh293,200

On sale: now