PM Modi’s first Manipur visit after 2023 ethnic clashes: 10 top quotes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, i.e., September 13, visited Manipur for the first time since the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities that broke out two years ago, claiming more than 200 lives.
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‘Speak English, period’: GOP bill axes interpreter loophole in citizenship exam
FIRST ON FOX: People who are not proficient in English could be shut out of taking the U.S. citizenship test under a new House Republican proposal. Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., plans to introduce a bill that would mandate the citizenship test be taken entirely in English, Fox News Digital has learned. There are several different components to the U.S. citizenship exam. While most portions are English-only, the civics test — in which the applicant is asked 10 out of 100 possible questions on U.S. history and government — can currently be taken in other languages, provided that certain criteria are met. Fine’s bill would eliminate those exceptions. HOUSE MOVES TO EXPOSE EPSTEIN FILES, AUTHORIZES OVERSIGHT PROBE “The fact that U.S. citizenship applicants can currently use an interpreter to take the naturalization test undermines the idea of assimilation into American culture. If you want to live in an English-speaking country, you should be able to speak English, period,” Fine told Fox News Digital. “My bill will require all applicants to take the naturalization test exclusively in English, because both metaphorically and literally, everyone who enters our country with the intent of staying should speak our language.” Current law states that people aged 50 or older who have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 20 years are allowed to take the civics portion in another language. People aged 55 or older who have been a U.S. permanent resident for at least 15 years have the same exemption. Both groups of people are required to bring an interpreter fluent in English and their native language to the exam. LONGTIME BIDEN AIDE SAYS HE STOOD TO EARN UP TO $8M HAD PRESIDENT WON RE-ELECTION The bill would likely run into opposition from immigrant advocacy groups, however. Fine’s proposal comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March naming English as the country’s official language — the first time in its history that the U.S. has done so.
Professor slammed for ‘despicable behavior’ with controverisal reposts on Charlie Kirk
A University of Pennsylvania senior administrator is under fire for reposts and a controversial post of his own on X following Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination. ‘The white on white violence has gotten out of hand,” Professor Michael E. Mann, the director for the Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media, wrote in a now-deleted X post. He also retweeted multiple posts slamming Kirk, including one from Max Granger mocking Ezra Klein’s New York Times column on the conservative activist, which said “Ezra Klein: I had my differences with the head of Trump’s Hitler Youth, but we both wanted the same thing: to make America great again.” FLASHBACK: CHARLIE KIRK WARNED OF LEFT-WING ‘ASSASSINATION CULTURE’ MONTHS BEFORE HIS MURDER He retweeted another post on Klein’s “Charlie Kirk Was Practicing Politics the Right Way” column, dubbing it “whitewashing’ Kirk’s legacy. Mann himself posted that Utah Gov. Spencer Cox “was all ‘thoughts and prayers’ in the press conference” and included a link to Everytown, a gun control advocacy group, regarding a bill Cox previously signed. His posts got the attention of conservative commentators as well as Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Penn. “This is despicable behavior. This dangerous rhetoric cannot and will not be tolerated. I will unequivocally Comden this behavior and demand UPenn take immediate, decisive action,” McCormick wrote. SPORTS OUTLET SEVERS TIES WITH SUNS BEAT WRITER OVER CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION POSTS “When people in positions of power, like [Mann], continually demonize their political opponents, calling them “nazis’ and “threats to democracy,” they cannot act shocked when people act on their inflammatory rhetoric,” Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, posted. “This is wholly unacceptable, [University of Pennsylvania]. Fire him.” Zach Parkinson, a GOP communications director, pointed out Mann’s past Democratic ties, including being praised by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2024 on climate policy and being listed as a guest at a “Humanists for Harris” event hosted in Oct. 2024 by the Secular Democrats of America. “Mann isn’t some random lefty Twitter troll. He’s a part of the Democratic establishment.” Parkinson wrote. “He’s been repeatedly invited by Democrats to testify in front of Congress, was an advisor to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, and is regularly featured by Democrats at political events.” CHARLIE KIRK WARNED ‘ASSASSINATION CULTURE IS SPREADING ON THE LEFT’ IN EERIE ONLINE POST MONTHS BEFORE MURDER Conservative communicator Steve Guest called the reposts “absolutely ghoulish content.” Mann attempted to clear the air following the backlash on Thursday. “I reposted this earlier today. I was simply agreeing w/ the (widespread) criticism of Ezra Klein’s claim that Kirk was ‘practicing politics the right way.’ I do NOT approve of the inappropriate & inflammatory language used to describe Kirk (which I’d overlooked. Have deleted,” he said in regards to Granger’s “Hitler Youth” remarks. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In another post, Mann wrote that he hopes “they catch him” when referring to the suspect in the Kirk Shooting. “Political violence is completely unacceptable no matter what ‘side’ it is on. I hope we can all agree with that,” Mann wrote. Kirk’s assassination drew an outpouring of tributes for him and his family, but many people continue to fall into the spotlight for comments either praising or downplaying the tragedy. Fox News Digital reached out to the University of Pennsylvania, Mann and his public relations representative for comment.
Activists sound alarm on ‘deeply troubling’ poll showing support for Mamdani’s anti-Israel messaging
A poll released this week showing socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani with a commanding lead in the race also showed him leading the pack when it comes to messaging on the issue of Israel and Palestine. The New York Times/Siena College survey — which was conducted from Sept. 2 to 6 — found that the survey — which was conducted from Sept. 2 to 6 — asked likely New York City voters, regardless of which candidate they support, “which of the following mayoral candidates do you think has best addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the campaign.” Mamdani led the field with 43% followed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo at 16%, current mayor Eric Adams at 11%, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at 8%. The poll also showed that 46% of likely voters sympathized with Palestinians compared to 29% with Israel. FLASHBACK: ZOHRAN MAMDANI SAYS ‘ISRAEL IS NOT A PLACE’ AND ‘NOT A COUNTRY’ Mamdani’s positions and past comments on Israel have been a hot button issue in the race as he has faced criticism from many in the Jewish community for refusing to explicitly denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada,” supporting economic boycotts of Israel, surrounding himself with advisers that hold anti-Israel views, and a social media post last year that critics say was mocking Jewish people. Human rights attorney Brooke Goldstein told Fox News Digital the term “Israeli-Palestinian conflict” is a “misnomer in itself” and called the poll results “deeply troubling.” “In reality, his record is clear: he is an anti-Israel radical, a pro-Hamas sympathizer in a suit, running for office to undermine the very fabric of what this country stands for,” Goldstein said. “The fact that this has even become a campaign issue reflects just how poisoned our political system has become. Foreign agendas and blood-soaked ideologies have seeped into our politics, shaping them in hateful ways.” Goldstein continued, “Our education system, from K-12 through college, is radicalizing students at an alarming rate. If we do not take this seriously, and if figures like Mr. Mamdani are elevated to office, the consequences for America’s future will be dire.” A spokesperson for StopAntisemitism also told Fox News Digital the poll results are “deeply troubling” and “underscores the growing hostility towards Israel we are seeing in New York”, adding that a Mamdani victory would be “disastrous” for the city. MAMDANI’S FATHER SITS ON COUNCIL OF ANTI-ISRAEL GROUP TIED TO TERROR, LEGITIMIZES ROLE OF SUICIDE BOMBERS “The fact that so many New Yorkers view Mamdani as the best voice on Israel and Palestine is a sign of how deeply antisemitism has taken root in the city,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “His rise is not about thoughtful policy but about the normalization of antisemitism through extremist groups, such as the red-green alliance. New Yorkers deserve leadership that unites, not one that scapegoats Israel and emboldens violence towards Jews in America.” In addition to his positions on Israel, Mamdani has been heavily criticized on the issue of crime due to his past calls to defund the police and hostile comments about the New York Police Department. While the majority of likely NYC voters said that crime and safety are their top concern, 30%, when asked regardless of who they support, which candidate would do the “best” job on crime, said Mamdani. Cuomo followed with 29%, Sliwa with 23%, and Adams with 15%. The poll showed that a head-to-head race between Cuomo and Mamdani would significantly narrow Mamdani’s lead to just four points. Rafael Mangual, senior fellow and head of research for policing and public safety at the Manhattan Institute, told Fox News Digital Mamdani’s numbers in that category are due to having three opponents in the race. UNEARTHED MAMDANI COLLEGE NEWSPAPER WRITINGS PROMOTE ANTI-ISRAEL BOYCOTT, RAIL AGAINST ‘WHITE PRIVILEGE’ “I read that as 70% don’t trust him on crime,” Mangual said. “The problem is that those skeptical of Mamdani’s approach to public safety are split between three candidates.” Overall, the survey found that on the question of who people would support if the contest “were held today,” a whopping 46% of likely New York City voters chose Mamdani, compared to just 24% who selected Cuomo. Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa scored only 15%, while incumbent Mayor Eric Adams earned just 9%. “New York City is not for sale. The backroom scheming from Donald Trump and the billionaire class is backfiring, as New Yorkers see Zohran Mamdani is the only candidate who will fight to make the most expensive city in the country more affordable,” Mamdani campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec said in a statement. “Our campaign is busy building a movement that puts working people first – mobilizing thousands to get involved in the democratic process and fight for a new kind of politics,” Pekec added. Fox News Digital’s Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
White House closes week mourning Charlie Kirk, remembering 9/11 terrorist attacks in NY
President Donald Trump closed the week mourning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and honoring those who were lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Kirk, 31, was assassinated during his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. His death comes a year after two assassination attempts against Trump. “To my fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah,” Trump said in a video address to the nation on Wednesday, hours after announcing Kirk’s death. BASEBALL FANS PAY TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE KIRK AT YANKEES-TIGERS GAME “Charlie inspired millions and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” Trump said. “Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America. He fought for liberty, democracy, justice and the American people. He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there’s never been anyone who was so respected by youth.” Trump said in an interview with “Fox & Friends” on Friday that an arrest had been made in connection with Kirk’s assassination, and Utah officials confirmed the suspect as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. “I hope he’s going to be found guilty, I would imagine. And I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump said Friday. “What he did, Charlie Kirk was the finest person, he didn’t deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him.” ‘DARK MOMENT FOR AMERICA’: TRUMP DECLARES CHARLIE KIRK’S VOICE ‘BIGGER AND GRANDER’ AFTER ASSASSINATION Trump also commemorated the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks at the Pentagon and in New York City on Thursday. Trump, along with first lady Melania Trump, visited the Pentagon on Thursday morning to remember the 2,977 lives lost in the attacks. “This morning, we recall the light of America’s best and bravest and the love that they showed in their final moments,” Trump said. TRUMP ARRIVES AT YANKEE STADIUM, GIVES SPEECH TO TEAM AHEAD OF 9/11 ANNIVERSARY GAME Late on Thursday, Trump headed to New York and visited the Yankees home clubhouse, before being seated in a suite by the third base side with Yankees team owner Hal Steinbrenner and president Randy Levine. “USA” chants broke out before and after the anthem at the game. Trump hasn’t attended a baseball game since the 2021 World Series. Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
Kash Patel’s false start on Charlie Kirk killer draws scrutiny, but FBI nabbed suspect in the end
The FBI’s success in apprehending Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin came one day after Director Kash Patel initially misreported that the suspect was in custody, a move that sparked consternation and criticism as the nation reeled over Kirk’s violent death. Patel’s misstep during the fast-moving investigation was overshadowed Friday by the breakthrough news that a 22-year-old Utah man had been detained and will face charges for the deadly shooting. But the flaws during the whirlwind 33-hour manhunt did not go unnoticed. Patel on Thursday announced — then quickly retracted — that authorities had detained the person responsible for killing Kirk. Fox News’ Laura Ingraham responded “unreal” to Patel’s revelation that the gunman was still at large. Conservative activist Chris Rufo said Friday he was “grateful” authorities arrested a suspect but that it was “time for Republicans to reassess” whether Patel was fit for the job. CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT “He performed terribly in the last few days,” Rufo wrote on social media Friday, adding that he has been talking with conservative leaders who are questioning the FBI’s leadership structure, which includes Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and, as of next week, Andrew Bailey, who is taking on the unprecedented role of FBI co-deputy director. A White House spokesman said in a statement that “Patel and his team worked night and day to find this murderer and bring him to justice.” “Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication – especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him – simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship,” Communication Director Steven Cheung said, adding the suspect will “face the full wrath of the justice system.” The backlash began after Patel said Thursday that “the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” before saying less than two hours later that he had the wrong person. It was the second time that day authorities had arrested someone in the case then let them go. “The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,” Patel then said, adding the investigation was ongoing. CHARLIE KIRK’S SUSPECTED ASSASSIN IDENTIFIED AFTER FATAL SHOOTING OF INFLUENTIAL CONSERVATIVE VOICE IN UTAH At the same time that Patel said the killer had been caught, Utah law enforcement officials were giving a news conference saying the gunman was at large, leading social media users to convey confusion over the mixed messages. The blips during the manhunt for the person responsible for Kirk’s killing also put a spotlight on Patel’s and Bongino’s apparent fixation on social media, a point that a lawsuit against Patel and the Department of Justice laid out in thorough detail days prior. The lawsuit was brought by three top FBI officials who alleged their constitutional rights were violated when they were fired without explanation. One of the fired officials said Patel and Bongino lamented the “political capital” they had to spend to keep the official on the job, a reference to pressure Patel and Bongino were getting on social media about the official. Patel’s and Bongino’s actions were often dictated by social media comments, the lawsuit said. Also fueling the fire was a delayed news conference on Thursday that offered little new detail as the investigation was underway. Patel appeared at the news conference but did not speak. Upon announcing the suspect’s arrest Friday morning, the FBI director gave remarks of gratitude to the agency, local law enforcement, the media and public for contributing to the arrest. Patel made clear that he had been directing the FBI behind the scenes during the past couple days. “Warroom” podcast host Steve Bannon, a former Trump advisor, said on his show that he didn’t “know why Kash Patel flew out there, thousands of miles” merely to thank people. Bannon suggested he wanted more details about the suspect and any possible accomplices. At this stage, the Trump administration has shown no outward signs of wavering on Patel. DEMS, GOP LAWMAKERS JOIN FORCES TO CONDEMN POLITICAL VIOLENCE AFTER CHARLIE KIRK SHOT In addition to the White House commending him, one source familiar said Patel’s social media posting during the Kirk case could have been handled better but that his initial erroneous message and the surrounding criticism of it came during the “fog of war,” as the investigation was rapidly evolving and emotions were high. The source said the focus should be on the success of the FBI’s operation and the “good police work” involved. A spokeswoman for Patel pointed to a statement she posted online highlighting that the FBI’s mission to identify Kirk’s assassin was a success and that Patel was intentional every step of the way. “Over these last few days, what has mattered isn’t ignorant criticism or petty assumptions — it’s been the pursuit of justice. Justice that was promised, justice that has now been delivered,” spokeswoman Erica Knight said. One retired FBI agent who worked at the bureau for two decades said Patel’s premature post seemed “reckless” and “too quick to the draw,” but the retired agent also said he viewed it as a problem that went beyond Patel. “It’s becoming a popularity contest,” the retired agent told Fox News Digital. “It’s not necessarily something that’s new either, because J. Edgar Hoover was big about leveraging the press to make the FBI look good. I mean, he was notorious for that. That tradition in the bureau has continued, but now it’s sort of like that on steroids.”
Following Kirk’s assassination, lawmakers react to lethal political climate: ‘Violent words precede violent actions’
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were in agreement that political discourse in the United States has reached a startling level following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent acts of political violence. Kirk’s assassination is the latest in a string of political violence that has left several high-profile figures dead or injured since July 2024, when President Donald Trump was shot while campaigning for his second term in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was targeted again by a would-be assassin just months later. In April, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was the victim of an arson attack. And in June, two Minnesota lawmakers and their families were attacked, leaving two dead. The political violence has had a chilling effect on the nation, with some lawmakers going so far as to cancel public appearances amid fears of physical violence. “We have a climate right now where people who are frankly unhinged … like the two guys who tried to shoot President Trump, one who did shoot him, the person – whoever it is – who killed Charlie, the person who went after the Minnesota lawmakers – these people are nuts,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., told Fox News Digital. “But they are egged on by a climate that says, ‘Hey, you know, it’s okay basically to go out and shoot your opponents because they’re really Hitler.’” ANTI-TRUMP VOICES PRAISE CHARLIE KIRK’S LEGACY AFTER ASSASSINATION, SAY HE WAS DOING POLITICS ‘THE RIGHT WAY’ The sentiment was echoed by Democratic lawmakers on the Hill as well. “It’s really sad and just scary, you know, honestly, just how dire things have gotten in this country in terms of our political discourse,” said Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J. “I was actually just remarking the other day how, in a survey, over 50% of Americans surveyed said that they would call people in the other political party ‘the enemy.’ I just think that’s terrifying, that’s so dangerous of a place for our country to be.” Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon added that in order for this Republic to work, people must be able to “passionately share [their] viewpoints and do so knowing that we resolve our differences through advocacy and voting, not through violence.” CHARLIE KIRK WARNED ‘ASSASSINATION CULTURE IS SPREADING ON THE LEFT’ IN EERIE ONLINE POST MONTHS BEFORE MURDER “I don’t know what it says about political discourse, but it certainly says something about violence, and it has no business in political discourse. You can have a robust disagreement with people, but when it turns to violence, something’s gone badly wrong,” responded Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., when asked about what Kirk’s death said about the current state of political discourse. Kirk was known for engaging passionately, but also respectfully, with students of all political stripes on college campuses as part of Turning Point USA, the grassroots organization he co-founded in 2012. He would regularly visit college campuses all around the country and debate with students from different perspectives on various issues of the day. Oftentimes, Kirk would hold “Prove Me Wrong” events, where he would give students a chance to do just that – prove him wrong. “I mean, that’s the shame of this. Charlie Kirk was polite, he had a message, and he spread that message, and he engaged people to speak and debate, and then he lost his life for that,” said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. “That’s the thing about this country, we have freedom of speech. Nobody should ever take out violence based on something somebody said.” “I would hope that all people would take a moment, reflect, and bring down this political rhetoric,” Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., told Fox News Digital. “These violent words precede violent actions.” Hawley, meanwhile, suggested a tactic to help solve the issue. “I’ll just say again, part of the way we stop it, is we realize that there’s stuff in life that’s more important than politics,” he told reporters.
California legislature passes bill prohibiting law enforcement from wearing face masks to shield identities
California lawmakers passed a measure that would ban most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while on the job in response to recent immigration raids in the Los Angeles area where some federal agents wore masks and hid their identities. The bill, approved on Thursday, now heads to Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. If he signs it into law, it is unclear whether the state could enforce the ban on federal agents who have been carrying out raids and arrests at local businesses under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan. The bill is the first of its kind to pass through a state legislature, although similar legislation has been introduced elsewhere, including in Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Democrats on Capitol Hill have also proposed a mask ban for law enforcement officers. Under the bill, local and federal officers, including immigration enforcement agents, would be banned from wearing neck gators, ski masks and other facial coverings while carrying out official business. LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUSHES TO PROHIBIT LAW ENFORCEMENT FROM HIDING THEIR IDENTITIES WHILE ON THE JOB Exceptions would be permitted for undercover agents, for those using medical masks like N95 respirators or as part of tactical gear. Newsom has about a month to sign the legislation into law. While he has criticized federal agents’ use of masks during arrests, he has also raised questions over the summer about the state’s authority over federal agents. Federal agents have conducted immigration raids in Southern California since June, sparking protests and the subsequent federal deployment of the National Guard and Marines. Proponents of the bill said the proposal is needed following a Supreme Court ruling earlier this week allowing the federal government to resume sweeping immigration raids in Los Angeles, which also permits agents to target migrants based on things like race or ethnicity, speaking in Spanish or presence at specific locations. Assembly member Juan Carrillo, a Democrat, said the court ruling is “effectively allowing federal agents to stop suspects based solely on their race, language or job.” MASSACHUSETTS BILL WOULD FORCE ICE AGENTS TO UNMASK “How is anyone supposed to reasonably believe that they are law enforcement officers and not masked individuals trying to kidnap you?” he said ahead of the vote. “Imagine the absolute fear of being pulled over at gunpoint by a group of masked individuals.” Bill supporters also cited constitutional law expert Erwin Chemerinsky at the University of California, Berkeley. He wrote in an opinion piece published in the Sacramento Bee that a state cannot directly regulate the federal government, but that does not mean federal employees can ignore state rules “unless doing so would significantly interfere with the performance of their duties.” “ICE agents have never before worn masks when apprehending people, and that never has posed a problem. Nor have other officers of local, state and federal law enforcement faced dangers from the public because they don’t wear masks in the streets,” he wrote. Republican lawmakers and law enforcement agencies argue that the legislation would only make the job more dangerous for officers. “Bad guys wear masks because they don’t want to get caught. Good guys wear masks because they don’t want to get killed,” GOP state Sen. Kelly Seyarto said. Trump administration officials have attempted to defend the practice of face coverings by stating that federal immigration agents have been subject to an increase in harassment in public and online. But others, including several state attorneys general, argued that the use of face masks generates fear among the public and must be stopped. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Qatar PM meeting Trump after Israel’s deadly strike on Doha
Prior to talks with Trump, Sheikh Mohammed met US Secretary of State Rubio, who is heading to Israel to pledge continued support. Published On 12 Sep 202512 Sep 2025 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is meeting United States President Donald Trump in New York in the wake of Israel’s deadly strike on Doha this week. Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the country’s foreign minister, has been engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activity in the US since Israel’s attack on a Hamas meeting in Doha on Tuesday, which killed a Qatari security official and five Hamas members who were discussing a new deal proposed by Trump to end the Gaza war. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list Ahead of Friday’s dinner meeting with the US president, Sheikh Mohammed met US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, where they discussed Israel’s strikes and the US-Qatar security arrangement, according to Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett. Washington counts Qatar, which hosts its Al Udeid airbase in the desert outside Doha, as a strong Gulf ally. Trump has already said he was “very unhappy” about Israel’s targeting of Qatar, which appeared designed to derail ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. “The concern is that the relationship between Qatar and the United States has become increasingly complicated as a result of those strikes, so they’re looking for a path forward on both of those issues,” said Al Jazeera’s Halkett, reporting from Washington, DC. Halkett said Friday’s scheduled meeting with Trump would “continue the conversations regarding Israel’s attack on Doha earlier this week and the negotiations to end Israel’s war on Gaza”. Advertisement The location and time of the dinner remain unclear, but Trump is currently in New York and is staying at his eponymous Manhattan tower. Balancing act This week has also seen the Trump administration engaged in a balancing act between Middle East allies and Israel. The issue was brought to the fore on Thursday, when the US – which traditionally shields Israel on the international stage – joined fellow members of the United Nations Security Council in condemning the country for its attack on Qatar. But in what appears to be a show of continued support for Israel, Rubio will arrive in Israel this weekend for a two-day visit before attending an upcoming UN summit on September 22, where a number of Western countries plan to recognise a Palestinian state. That meeting signals growing international momentum towards a viable post-conflict settlement for Israel and Palestine, which was manifest at Friday’s meeting of the UN General Assembly, which endorsed a resolution pushing for a revival of the two-state solution. France and Saudi Arabia have been instrumental in pushing for “collective action to end the war in Gaza, to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”, which has so far killed at least 64,756 people. During his visit to Israel, Rubio will speak to leaders about “our commitment to fight anti-Israel actions, including unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that rewards Hamas terrorism”, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement. “He will also emphasise our shared goals: ensuring Hamas never rules over Gaza again and bringing all the hostages home,” Pigott added. Adblock test (Why?)