After Ukraine warned that a second Russian-linked ship (Panormitis) was carrying stolen Ukrainian grain to Haifa, Israel’s top diplomat tried to brush off the complaint.

“Allegations are not evidence,” Gideon Sa’ar replied, despite Kyiv’s previous warnings about a similar vessel.

Ukraine has now summoned Israel’s ambassador, accusing it of enabling Russian war profiteering.

Applications jumped from 137 (2020) to nearly 3,900 (2025), and in early 2026 alone, 2,656 people already applied, putting the country on track for a record year.

The surge is driven by a new military reform law requiring young men to register and be screened & the possibility that mandatory service could return.

Source: Welt

2,500–3,000 troops by end of 2026. Expansion to 20,000+ by 2028.

They will guard mines, escort mineral shipments, and fight smuggling.

The force will gradually replace regular army units in mining zones and help protect foreign investments.

Source: Bloomberg

According to the Finance Ministry led by Bezalel Smotrich, around 740 million shekels were collected, but about 590 million were unilaterally deducted to cover alleged debts to Israeli utilities and agencies.

Source: i24 News

During Monday discussions, Trump did not reject the offer outright but questioned whether Iran is acting in good faith or willing to meet his core demand: ending uranium enrichment and committing not to develop nuclear weapons.

Officials say the U.S. will continue talks, with the White House expected to respond and possibly present counterproposals in the coming days.

Source: WSJ

Sen. Thom Tillis said Hegseth is “making some less-than-ideal personnel decisions” and added “there’s no question he’s got a failing grade” on management skills.

Sen. Joni Ernst called George’s removal “a mistake,” while Rep. Tom Cole described it as “a real loss.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she was “shocked” by the firing, adding: “We’re in the middle of a war… not good.”

Lawmakers are also uneasy about Hegseth’s clashes with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and policy moves like ending mandatory flu shots.

Source: The Hill

She has made concessions to the U.S. (on border security, trade, and cartel crackdowns) to avoid conflict and protect Mexico’s economy. However, Trump keeps demanding more, including possible U.S. military action against cartels.

A recent incident involving CIA agents in Mexico increased tensions, and her restrained response drew criticism. Meanwhile, her approach is upsetting parts of her political base.

Overall, she is stuck balancing avoiding conflict with the U.S. while maintaining support at home, and her strategy may be weakening her politically without satisfying Trump.

Source: WSJ

Because the U.S. naval blockade has cut exports by roughly 70%, shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have nearly stopped, and no tankers are getting through.

If this continues, Iran may be forced to cut production by another 1.5 million barrels per day by mid-May, on top of the large reductions already made.

Even so, the financial impact won’t be immediate, since oil shipments take time to reach buyers and payments are delayed, giving Iran a few months of breathing room despite the growing supply crunch.

Source: Bloomberg

Is the Japanese side trying to repeat history… and once again become the source of disaster in East Asia?

Japan has been making frequent, dangerous, reckless, and provocative moves… defying its dedication to peace.

These remarks sound more like war mobilization and war cries.

The international community will never accept this.

Buying stolen goods is a crime, this includes grain stolen by Russia.

This is not and cannot be legitimate business. Israel cannot claim it doesn’t know what enters its ports.

We took all diplomatic steps—yet the ship was not stopped.

We will sanction those transporting and profiting from this.

We expect respect—and no actions that undermine our relations.