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South Africa Expels Israeli Diplomat Amidst International Tensions
South Africa expelled Israel's chargé d'affaires, Ariel Seidman, after what it described as "insulting attacks" on President Cyril Ramaphosa. Seidman was declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave the country, according to The Guardian. The expulsion highlights the long-standing tensions between South Africa and Israel, stemming from South Africa's support of the Palestinian cause.
The diplomatic move occurred amidst other international developments, including ongoing debate in Israel regarding the death penalty for convicted terrorists and personnel changes expected at the U.S. Federal Reserve.
In Israel, a controversial push to reinstate the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of fatal terrorist attacks has ignited a national debate. The proposal follows the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which marked Israel's deadliest day. Zvika Fogel, the far-right chair of the parliamentary national security committee, characterized the law as "another brick in the wall of our defence," according to BBC World. Israel has only used the death penalty twice, the last time being over sixty years ago in the case of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.
Meanwhile, in the United States, President Donald Trump announced Kevin Warsh as his pick to replace Jerome Powell as chairman of the Federal Reserve, as reported by BBC Business. Trump, who has previously called for change at the central bank, described Warsh as "'central casting' and he will never let you down" in a social media post. Warsh, a conservative with previous experience at the Federal Reserve and on Wall Street, was previously passed over for the position by Trump during his first term.
Also in the U.S., Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty if convicted, a court ruled. US District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against Mangione that carried the possibility of the death penalty, according to Reuters. Mangione still faces stalking charges, which could result in a life sentence. Mangione pleaded not guilty to all federal and state charges after being arrested in connection to the December 4, 2024, shooting in New York City. His attorney, Karen Agnifilo, thanked the court for "this incredible decision," according to BBC World.
Finally, a new documentary co-produced by Melania Trump, titled "Melania: 20 Days to History," opened in cinemas across the U.S. The film promises an intimate glimpse into her life in the days leading up to her husband's January 2025 inauguration, according to BBC World.
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