United States

US targets Palestine Action in counterterrorism effort against 'far-left' groups

The move follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s push to focus counterterrorism efforts on “far-left terror,” sparking Democratic concerns over the politicization of the fight against extremism.

|ByREUTERS
A person holds up a placard outside the Royal Courts of Justice, on the day judges decide whether the co-founder of Palestine Action can challenge the UK government's ban on the group, in London, Britain, September 25, 2025.
A woman in polling station, voting in a booth with US flag in background

Democratic-led states renew challenge to Trump plans to restrict mail-in voting

"This new policy will just create confusion, unnecessary costs, and unacceptable risks for voters going into Election Day, and my office is going to court to stop it," NYAG Letitia James said.

|ByREUTERS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe looks on as US President Donald Trump hosts a Freedom 250 Grand Prix Showcase outside the White House in Washington, DC, on July 13, 2026.

CIA director met with Russian intelligence officials, not president, Kremlin says

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin had been briefed on the outcome of Ratcliffe's talks, but declined to provide further details.

|ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF, AMICHAI STEIN
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a cabinet meeting at Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland, US, July 31, 2026.

US halts Iran strikes 'for time being,' as focus shifts to economic sanctions, Rubio says - report

Operation Economic Outcast was announced on Monday by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, following earlier threats of an "economic D-Day" against the regime.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

South Korea says North Korea may have up to 120 nuclear warheads

South Korea estimates North Korea has 80-120 nuclear warheads, a figure well above US President Donald Trump’s recent estimate of 57.

AUGUST 20, 2026ByREUTERS
A North Korea flag flutters next to concertina wire at the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 9, 2017.

'Economic D-Day': Trump threatens economic warfare against countries aiding Iran

UAE suspending all trade activities, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran following Trump statement • Trump promises 'economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale'

AUGUST 20, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, August 7, 2026

US national debt tops $40 trillion for first time, doubled under presidents Trump, Biden

The federal government's IOU has now more than doubled in less than a decade, from $19.95 trillion when US President Donald Trump was sworn in for the first time in January 2017.

AUGUST 20, 2026ByREUTERS
The US Department of the Treasury Building in Washington, DC, US, July 11, 2026.

'This is not moving': Trump presents White House construction projects in bid for modernization

The former real estate developer spent about 30 minutes guiding reporters across the South Lawn, touting a new granite helipad, a $400 million ballroom, and other renovations.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
US President Donald Trump speaks about the helipad being constructed on the South Lawn, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, August 19, 2026.

‘Battery is not protest’: US judge rejects defense in Israeli flag assault case

According to court filings, Ali approached Sumrall from behind while she was isolated from her group and yanked on the flag, causing brief choking, pain, and disorientation.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByALEX CARSON
US-ISRAEL-DIPLOMACY Israeli and US flags are seen on the table as US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Pentagon in Washington, DC on February 5, 2025; illustrative

The next US-Israel agreement should expand joint innovation - opinion

The 10-year memorandum of understanding between the United States and Israel, signed in 2016 and worth $38 billion, expires in 2028, and discussions about its successor are already underway.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByJARON LOTAN
An illustrative image of an Israeli flag in the center of various symbols representing innovation and technology.

Turkey slams Israel's 'untenable' claims after strikes on Syrian base

The Prime Minister's Office warned Tuesday that a Turkish troop deployment at a Syrian airbase would violate the existing "status quo" and pose an intolerable threat to Israel's security.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan arrive for a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, February 4, 2025

South Korea FM says Trump appears to be pressuring Seoul over Iran, investment

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho said Trump's message appeared aimed at pressuring Seoul on several issues, signaling North Korea, and breaking the stalemate in the Iran war.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
US President Donald Trump (L) and South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung take their position for a family photo with other leaders upon their arrival for a special dinner hosted in honour of US President Donald Trump and state leaders at the Hilton Gyeongju hotel in Gyeongju on October 29, 2025.

Trump announces three-day pause on Canadian tariffs, Carney says there is more work to be done

Trump added in a social media post that the Keystone XL pipeline, which former president Joe Biden canceled in 2021 after years of opposition, "may be awoken from the grave," but offered no details.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByREUTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speak to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on October 07, 2025 in Washington, DC.

When Trump shuts off the tap: The quiet economic blow heading toward Israel

As American anger shifts toward aid and gas prices, Dr. Eli Cook warns: Removing US backing leaves Israel's economy completely exposed.

AUGUST 19, 2026ByWALLA! MONEY
U.S. President Donald Trump.