Israel could get new government
Exit polls in Israel suggest that neither incumbent prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his closest rival Benny Gantz has a clear path to a coalition following Tuesday’s election, The Jerusalem Post reports. In its rolling coverage, The Guardian cited former Israel defence chief Avigdor Lieberman calling for a broad government of national unity. The New York Times says Gantz, who was polling slightly ahead and had expressed a desire to force a unity coalition, would probably be given the first chance of forming a government. The BBC concurs, saying Netanyahu is in a weaker position than after April’s stalemate election. Full results are expected on Wednesday afternoon.
Spain headed to polls again
Fresh elections, the fourth in four years, are set to take place in Spain after talks between parties broke down on Tuesday, El País reports. King Felipe VI released a statement saying that there is “no candidate who counts on the necessary support for the Congress of Deputies to lend him its confidence.” Deutsche Welle says the emergence of two new parties has changed the political landscape in Spain. The new election will take place on 10 November.
UK parliament prorogue case enters second day
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom will today hear further arguments in two cases on prime minister Boris Johnson’s decision to prorogue parliament, the BBC reports. Time has a good summary of the court action on Tuesday. Richard Keen QC said the government would abide by the court’s decision if it ruled that parliament should be reconvened, it would not rule out that Boris Johnson might suspend parliament again, the FT reports.
California emissions rights test
A legal battle between California and the federal government looks likely as president Donald Trump’s administration seeks to challenge California’s right to set its own air pollution standards for cars and light trucks, The Washington Post reports. The move would affect 13 other states and the District of Columbia, who were set to follow California’s stricter emissions standards, says The Los Angeles Times.
Fresh claims Saudi attacks came from Iran
Three US officials have told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that last weekend’s attacks Saudi Arabian oil facilities involved cruise missiles and drones launched from southwestern Iran.
Thunberg tells congress to listen to science
Great Thunberg was among a group of young activists that addressed the Senate climate crisis task force on Tuesday, The Guardian reports. Thunberg chided senators for praising the students but failing to act. “Please save your praise…we want the science to be heard,” she said.
Snowden sued over book
The US justice department is seeking to “recover all proceeds” from the publication of whistleblower Edward Snowden’s “Permanent Record” memoirs, Sky News reports. The US argues that the book “violates non-disclosure agreements” because Snowden did not submit it for pre-publication review, says Euronews.
Spicer having fun dancing despite backlash
Former White House spokesman Sean Spicer has taken a relaxed attitude to criticism of his debut appearance on the American TV show “Dancing with the Stars”. Variety cites Spicer, who performed to the Spice Girls’ “Spice Up Your Life” (watch video here), saying that “if people see something different and say ‘I like this guy’ great. If they still don’t like me, I can sleep well at night.”
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts