World News Briefs -- September 17, 2019

NPR: Israelis Go To Polls As Netanyahu Aims To Hold Power Amid Corruption Scandals

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party are facing voters for the second time in just five months in an unprecedented contest that has the potential to end Netanyahu's decade-long grip on power.

Months of political limbo followed the previous election in April that saw Likud and the centrist Blue and White party each win 35 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, Israel's parliament.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Israel election: Netanyahu in tough fight in this year's second vote. Netanyahu’s career on the line as Israel votes.

Turkey, Russia, Iran agree steps to ease tensions in Syria's Idlib despite lingering differences.

Russia's Putin: foreign troops should be pulled out from Syria eventually.

Iraq says U.S. does not believe Iraqi territory used to launch attack on Saudi.

Iran leader Khamenei won't talk to U.S. without 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran charges three Australians with espionage.

10 Iran-backed fighters reportedly killed in Syria attack.

ASIA

Taliban bombs election rally and Kabul square. Taliban attacks kill 48, Afghan leader unhurt as bomber targets rally.

Taliban delegation visits Iran to 'discuss latest developments'.

China signals veto in standoff with U.S. over Afghan U.N. mission: diplomats. U.N. Security Council overcomes Chinese veto threat to renew Afghanistan mission.

North Korea slams Japan for 'trespassing' in EEZ.

Report: Trump, Moon U.N. summit tentatively set for Monday.

Hindus fear for their lives after Pakistan blasphemy riots.

Hong Kong protests fail to slow city’s role as foreign investment gateway to China, government data shows.

Indonesia shuts down plantations linked to illegal forest fires.

AFRICA

AU urges creativity to fight al-Shabab in Somalia.

UAE drones target airport in Tripoli, Libya: Gov't.

Algerians protest against planned presidential vote.

Tunisia election: Political outsiders reach runoff.

Egypt still at odds with Ethiopia over giant Nile dam.

South Africa apologises to Nigeria over xenophobic attacks.

Former minister arrested over alleged mismanagement of Congo Ebola funds.

EUROPE

Britain's Supreme Court enters Brexit drama with hearings on suspension of parliament.

Luxembourg PM's treatment of Johnson 'may harm Brexit talks'.

Vigilantes in Slovenia patrol borders to keep out migrants.

French police begin to clear migrants sheltered at Dunkirk gym.

Spain braces for fourth election in as many years as deadline looms.

Italy's Matteo Renzi to form new party after exiting Democratic Party.

US, Belarus to restore envoys after 10-year freeze.

France gives more people iodine pills in case of nuclear accident.

EU Parliament backs France's Lagarde as next ECB chief.

Paul Whelan: Former US marine alleges set-up in Russia spy case.

AMERICAS

House Judiciary Committee to hold 1st impeachment hearing.

Senate set for floor showdown over Trump border wall.

US government sues Edward Snowden over book disclosures – live.

Canada’s intelligence service: theft of information is 'potentially devastating'. Trudeau reassures allies amid alleged spying case.

Venezuela opposition: Norway-mediated talks with Maduro are over.

Massive blackout hits four countries in Central America.

Haiti fuel shortage: Protesters call for president's resignation.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Iraq launches anti-ISIS operation near Saudi border.

London police and Facebook move to stop live streaming of terror attacks.

Man reportedly shouts ‘Allahu Akbar’ after stabbing Italian soldier.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Recession fears among fund managers rise to highest level in a decade.

Apple slams EU as epic court battle over tax bill begins.

U.S., Japan reach initial trade agreement, Trump says.