Netanyahu tapped to form next government

Netanyahu tapped to form next government

• Israel’s veteran ex-premierBenjamin Netanyahu secureda mandate on Sundayto form a new government, paving the way for his comeback at the helm of what is expected to be the most right-wing administration in the country’s history.
• After a period of unprecedented political grid lock tested the electorate with five votes in less than four years, the November 1 polls gave Mr. Netanyahu and his far-right allies a clear majority in the 120-seat parliament.
• Mr. Netanyahu, who is fighting corruption allegations in court, will have at least 28 days to build a coalition with his allies — two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and a rising extreme right alliance called Religious Zionism.

Democrats retaincontrol of U.S. Senate

• Democrats kept control ofthe U.S. Senate on Saturday, repelling Republican efforts to retake the chamber and making it harder for them to thwart President Joe Biden’s agenda.
• The fate of the House of Representatives was still uncertain as Republicans struggled to pull together a slim majority there. 
• Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s victory in Nevada gave Democrats the 50 seats they needed to keep the Senate. 
• Her win reflects the surprising strength of Democrats across the U.S. Seeking re-election in an economically challenged State that has some of the highest gas prices inthe nation, Ms. Cortez Masto was considered the Senate’s most vulnerable member, adding to the frustration of Republicans who were confident she could be defeated.