Madonna calls on Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza before 'it's too late'
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Wall Street Journal
18 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Israel's Military Chief Under Fire From Netanyahu Government
TEL AVIV—Tension is growing between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin's government and the head of the country's military, whom some ministers see as out of step with a plan to expand the war in Gaza after 22 months of fighting. Israeli lawmakers in recent days have stepped up public criticism of the military's chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, who pushed back against a plan to take over Gaza in a security cabinet meeting last week, a person familiar with the matter said.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Israel's Energy Influence Expands Even During Gaza War
Nearly two years after the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, and the resulting Gaza war that has further isolated Israel diplomatically, the Jewish State announced the largest export deal in its history. NewMed Energy, in connection with Leviathan Partners, announced that it had signed a $35 billion deal to export natural gas from Israel's offshore Leviathan natural gas field to Egypt. The off taker will be Blue Ocean Energy, who will import that gas into Egypt until approximately 2040. The transaction, which will involve the drilling of new wells and the connection of new pipelines to Egypt, deepens the ties between the two nations that border Gaza at a time of extreme stress between them. In fact, the Gaza war has infuriated many in Egypt, but Egypt has so far refused to accept any Gaza refugees or allow more aid to flow from Egypt into Gaza. Regardless of the feelings of many Egyptians, its ruler, General Al-Sisi, understands that his country needs energy. The cheapest and easiest place to find it is in the Leviathan Field. As a result, political considerations like the future of Gaza give way to the everyday needs of the Egyptian people, who struggle to advance, if not simply survive, without a reliable energy supply. The deal involves the sale of approximately 130 bcm of natural gas to Egypt over the next 15 years, which is approximately equal to two years of supply for the Arab nation. To accomplish this, NewMed will increase its sale of gas to Egypt from 4.5 bcm to 6.5 bcm later this year or early next year, a move that will save Egypt an enormous amount of money. A political aspect of the deal is that it shows the centrality of energy in the Middle Eastern region, something of which Lebanon is sure to take note. In 2022, Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement on developing the offshore Karish gas field in Israeli waters and the adjacent Qana gas field in Lebanese waters. While Hezbollah has threatened to torpedo that deal and some Israelis have discussed terminating it as well due to Hezbollah's shelling of northern Israel following October 7, the agreement remains. Now, as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has been openly discussing disarming Hezbollah, natural gas remains available to Lebanon on which to rebuild its shattered economy. To summarize, despite massive political support in the West, the Palestinians remain extremely isolated in their home region. Egypt's move further amplifies how mere rhetorical support for the Gazans only goes so far. As much as Israeli military pressure may eventually wear down Hamas, it may ultimately be Arab economic needs that finally force Hamas to reevaluate its position of seeming to be willing to "fight to the bitter end,' no matter the cost.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
The EWC Esports Embassy Finally Nails A Luxury Event Experience
The Esports World Cup 2025 has been a resounding success, with some incredible action taking place over the past six weeks. Now with just one week to go the competition is heating up, with multiple Clubs still in contention to win the overall Club Championship, and hundreds of players still hoping to lift one of the few remaining trophies. But away from the bright lights, situated high above the players competing on stage in Riyadh, major business is being done in the Esports Embassy. With a view overlooking three of the main stages at the Esports World Cup, the Esports Embassy is the place to be for anyone looking to network at the event. Designed as a space for VIPs, EWC partners and any celebs that may find themselves at the Esports World Cup, the Embassy is a luxury retreat to meet other major players in the space away from the massive crowds on the ground. 'Last year was the first edition of the Esports World Cup, and we felt like something was missing,' said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'We didn't have a space where we could host VIPs, celebrities and sponsors. So we wanted to create something, a networking space, a VIP space, where those people could come, and we'd feel proud hosting them throughout the event. It's also something very new, it doesn't really exist in esports. You have attempts at premium lounges and similar areas, but with this type of format, quality and execution, I think we're the first to do it. It really came from a need because it was lacking, and we felt like we wanted to do something different.' Positioned on the top floor of the building that houses three of the four main stages at the Esports World Cup, the long corridor like space has been transformed into a luxury lounge, offering the best views of the stages with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the entire arena. It's a perfect space to watch the games, but also to get business done with private meeting rooms, networking spaces and more than a few snacks and exceptional food to keep you fuelled throughout the day. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder It's also an ideal place to talk business and show off what esports is to newcomers. There is nothing quite like being in a packed out esports arena with thousands of fans cheering on as a champion is crowned, but for people who don't understand the game or the esports culture, that experience can be somewhat confusing and overwhelming. The Embassy allows the uninitiated to watch the action from a slightly less intense position, while still getting the full arena experience. Then, if they want to get right into the action, it's just a short walk to the main arena seating to join the crowd. 'A lot of people, when you invite them to EWC, say, 'oh, but I'm not a gamer,' this space makes it accessible for everyone because you don't have to be a gamer or an esports fan to enjoy it,' said Al Nimer. 'You can have an amazing atmosphere, great food, meet with clients in the meeting rooms, discuss projects, and then tour the festival as a kind of team-building activity.' While you can just buy a ticket to the Embassy, this is a place designed for those making deals in the world of esports. The private meeting rooms are in near constant use, with deals and collaborations being discussed for the future. With the Esports World Cup now established as a major annual event, more and more people are wanting to get involved, and a lot of those conversations are being started at the Embassy. 'As a brand, when you invest in esports and the EWC, the audience feels like you're contributing to the success of their favourite sport,' said Al Nimer. 'It's massive, but it's still growing year-on-year towards billions of fans. Also, in the summer, there's usually not much happening in the region. The EWC has turned what is usually a dead season into a very active one. And within that, the Embassy offers a space brands can be proud to invite VIPs and C-level executives to.' The Esports Embassy is impressive and finally seems to offer a functional luxury space at an esports event that lets you watch the action live, while also experiencing the finer things and being able to talk business. Other events have had similar experiences, but often tucked away backstage with the action taking place on screens showing the broadcast, instead of giving attendees a live view into the arena. It's a well executed idea, and while the masses will never experience it thanks to the exclusive guest list and high ticket price, for those who can get in, it should provide exactly what they are looking for.
