Tensions rise between Trump and Netanyahu amid Iran negotiations
via SeneNews3 min read
Donald Trump has reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during complex negotiations with Iran. According to Axios, the American president called Netanyahu "completely crazy" and accused him of jeopardizing Iran negotiations through attacks on Lebanese Hezbollah. This follows a difficult exchange reported on May 20, which left Netanyahu "fuming." Mairav Zonszein, an Israel specialist for the International Crisis Group, advises caution regarding these reports, noting past instances of reported divergences followed by joint action in Iran. Dan Shapiro, former US ambassador to Israel and associate at the Atlantic Council, believes it was inevitable for American and Israeli interests in the Iran conflict to diverge. Trump had previously boasted that Netanyahu "will do whatever I want him to do." However, Trump had to intervene again regarding Lebanon, where the Israeli army and Hezbollah have been clashing since March 2. Trump later claimed both sides promised de-escalation, but fighting continued. The Republican billionaire aims to prevent the Lebanese conflict from derailing difficult US negotiations with Tehran to end the war. Both leaders face internal political challenges. With potential early legislative elections in Israel, Netanyahu has vowed to end the threat from Iran's "ayatollah regime" and disarm Hezbollah. His opponents accuse him of losing sight of these goals and being dictated by Washington, with opposition leader Yair Lapi
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
One hundred ten migrants, including twelve women and three minors, were rescued off the coast of Nouakchott after their boat's engine failed. The Mauritanian coast guard announced the rescue, stating the pirogue, which originated from Banjul, the Gambian capital, experienced engine trouble at sea. The rescue operation took place approximately 8 nautical miles from the coast in challenging weather conditions. It began on Tuesday at 1:00 AM local and GMT time and continued until 9:00 AM the following day, successfully evacuating and securing all passengers. The rescued individuals included 80 Malians, 12 Senegalese, 10 Gambians, 3 Ivorians, 4 Mauritanians, and one Nigerian. Thousands of West Africans, predominantly young people, have attempted irregular migration from their home countries' coasts for years, using the perilous Atlantic route to reach Europe, primarily via the Spanish Canary Islands, in overcrowded and often dilapidated boats. Increased maritime controls in Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco have shifted the departure points for these clandestine pirogues southward, particularly from the coasts of Gambia and Guinea-Conakry, extending sea travel times and minimizing dangers. Many African exiles seek a better future, risking their lives due to Europe's drastic restrictions on visa issuance and increased border controls. Thousands have died or gone missing attempting to reach Europe this way in recent years.
Must ReadOusmane Sonko, leader of Senegal's majority party and former Prime Minister, has called for a "constructive dialogue" with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to prevent the country from relapsing into crisis. Sonko stated that his supporters would "accompany" the new government. This marks Sonko's first public statement since President Faye dismissed him on May 22 due to irreconcilable differences, particularly concerning the management of the West African nation's substantial debt. Sonko, who was elected President of the National Assembly on May 26, reported that Faye felt "a number of positions I had taken recently inconvenienced him and posed a problem." Sonko criticized the new 30-member government appointed by Faye on Monday, stating, "A country is serious! A government is serious! I have the impression that President Diomaye does not know what it means to form a government... you don't form a government lightly." He added that the current situation is "unprecedented," with a government lacking a "structured, serious political legitimacy" around Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko emphasized that they are in a situation of cohabitation, as Faye does not have a single deputy in the National Assembly. He urged Faye to "come down from his pedestal and let's talk." Sonko's Pastef party holds 130 of the 165 seats in the National Assembly. He affirmed, "We are here to support him so that he succeeds. If Pastef wanted, in 72 hours, this government could fall. But we will not censure them
Must ReadThe mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, Juan Franco, has prohibited a friendly football match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile, scheduled for June 9. The decision was made out of "sanitary prudence" due to the Ebola epidemic in the DR Congo. This measure follows recommendations from the regional government's health service and a report from the municipal health service chief, who advised against the match due to potential health risks. The game was intended as a preparation match for the 2026 World Cup. The DR Congo team is also scheduled to play Denmark in Liège, Belgium, on Wednesday. The DR Congo is in Group K for the World Cup, alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan. A Congolese team official stated on May 21 that the team had canceled its World Cup preparation in Kinshasa to transfer to Belgium. On May 23, the White House indicated that the team would need to isolate in a "bubble" for 21 days to avoid Ebola contamination if they wished to enter the United States for the World Cup. Three Mexican airlines announced restrictions on travelers from African countries affected by Ebola on Friday, as part of preventive measures coordinated with the United States and Canada ahead of the World Cup.
Must ReadOusmane Sonko, the former head of government, expressed his irritation with statements made by his successor, the new Prime Minister, issuing several thinly veiled warnings. Sonko advised the Prime Minister to stick to figures and technocracy. He also claimed that the new Prime Minister played a role in the tensions between the Pastef party and the President. Sonko stated that he and his party have refrained from revealing all details but warned the Prime Minister to calm down. He also criticized the Prime Minister's attitude during the government list's publication, suggesting he should apply his own lessons to himself. Sonko concluded by implying he possesses unreleased information, stating, "We know everything. We have chosen to keep certain facts silent, but let no one provoke us."