Concerns Grow in Biden Administration over Israeli Actions in War on Hamas
The Biden administration is expressing increasing concerns about how Israel is conducting its war on Hamas, particularly in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the rising death toll among civilians. According to current and former senior U.S. officials familiar with internal discussions, there is uncertainty about whether Israel can be restrained in its actions, leading to worries within the administration about potential isolation.
In response to growing criticism at home and abroad, President Biden and his top aides have adjusted their public messaging to emphasize concern for Palestinian civilians and efforts to provide them with humanitarian relief. This shift follows initial support for Israel’s military response to Hamas, coupled with a lesser emphasis on protecting Palestinians. The images of civilian casualties in Gaza have had a significant impact worldwide.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, ahead of his visit to Israel, delivered a strong message, stating that while Israel has the right to defend itself, how it carries out this defense matters. However, considering the challenges and the potential for isolation, the Biden administration is coming to terms with the reality of the situation.
FTX Co-founder Found Guilty in Fraud Trial
Sam Bankman-Fried, co-founder of the digital currency exchange FTX, has been found guilty on all counts in his fraud trial. The federal jury’s verdict comes a year after FTX collapsed, resulting in significant losses for thousands of customers. Bankman-Fried now faces a possible prison sentence of up to 110 years.
According to Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Bankman-Fried orchestrated one of the biggest financial frauds in American history. The jury took only four hours to find him guilty on charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. This fraud impacted FTX customers and lenders to its affiliated hedge fund, Alameda Research.
Bill for Aid to Israel Faces Senate Clash
While a $14.3 billion aid bill for Israel passed in the House of Representatives, its prospects in the Senate are uncertain. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated that the bill will not proceed, and President Biden has stated that he would veto it. Senate Democrats instead favor a broader $106 billion bill that includes aid for both Israel and Ukraine, as well as humanitarian assistance for Gaza and funding for U.S. border operations.
Democrats are also raising concerns about cuts to IRS funding included in the House-passed bill, particularly in light of a new report from the Congressional Budget Office, which claims that the overall measure would increase the deficit.
Billion-Dollar Verdict Exerts Pressure on Housing Market
The housing market is facing uncertainty as buyers and sellers await the potential impact of a $1.78 billion verdict in a case involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The case centers around the standard practice of sellers paying their agents a 6% commission, which is then split with the buyers’ agents. The jury determined that this practice amounts to collusion to inflate real estate fees.
While the NAR intends to appeal the decision, the legal uncertainty is causing homeowners to hesitate listing their properties. This hesitation comes at a challenging time for both buyers and sellers in the market.
In Other News:
– Eric Trump’s testimony is set to continue in his father’s civil fraud trial.
– Former President Barack Obama has been advising the White House on AI strategy.
– Sen. Tommy Tuberville faces backlash for suggesting primary challengers for senators who vote against his blockade on military promotions.
– Federal prosecutors argue that Donald Trump is attempting to delay his federal trials at any cost.
Staff Pick: Understanding the Complexities of Divorce Proceedings
In an in-depth investigation, Tim Stelloh and the “Dateline” team examine the tragic case of Becky Bliefnick, who was denied an emergency restraining order against her husband before being murdered. The investigation delves into the dynamics at play during divorce proceedings and the circumstances that led to Bliefnick’s death.
This article was curated by Elizabeth Robinson. If you enjoyed it, please share it with your friends and family.
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.
