Israel, Ethiopia, India.

Today's three stories you should know.

Nov 01, 2022

Israel

At the time of writing, exit polls in Israel point to former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu returning to power in the country’s fifth election in four years. Despite Netanyahu’s cult-like following, the election has been best by controversy over his fitness to lead given he is currently on trial for corruption. The 73-year-old will likely need the support of ultra-right wing nationalists and religious parties to form a government. Official results are not expected to be announced until next week.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said there is foreign interference in peace talks between his government and its Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) foes in South Africa. “Of course, if there are lots of interventions from left and right, it’s very difficult,” Abiy said. “Ethiopians should understand we can solve our own issues by ourselves.” The war between Abiy’s forces and the TPLF, the regional authority in the country’s Tigray province, has raged for almost two years. Tens of thousands have been killed, millions have fled their homes and many are reported to have died from hunger. The talks, brokered by the African Union, have been extended for a week.

India

Indian police have arrested nine people in connection with the collapse of a 143-year-old bridge that killed at least 134 people who were sent plunging into a river below. The cable bridge, in the town of Morbi in the state of Gujarat, was built during British colonial times in the 1800s and has been described in tourist materials as “a nostalgic reminder of Victorian London.” It was only re-opened days earlier after being closed for almost seven months for renovations. The nine arrested are reported to include managers of the bridge’s operator, Oreva Group, and members of its staff.