The Times of Israel is liveblogging Monday’s events as they unfold.
‘No amnesty!’ Brazilians protest against bid to pardon Bolsonaro
Tens of thousands of Brazilians protested Sunday against “shameless” lawmakers seeking an amnesty that could benefit former president Jair Bolsonaro, while pushing to shield themselves from criminal charges.
Bolsonaro was sentenced last week to 27 years in jail for plotting a coup, and within days, the conservative-majority Congress fast-tracked an amnesty bill that could include the far-right leader.
“No amnesty,” crowds roared in dozens of Brazilian cities, holding up signs and wearing stickers reading “Shameless Congress.”
Protesters were also outraged by what they dubbed the “Banditry Bill” passed this week. The law would require Congress to vote by secret ballot to give the go-ahead for one its own to be charged or arrested.
“This protection they seek is to camouflage corruption, impunity,” said Giovana Araujo, 27, a psychology student clad in a blue bikini top in the sweltering heat at a “musical protest” on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach.
Iconic octogenarians of Brazilian music, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Chico Buarque, took to a truck-mounted stage alongside palm trees to sing resistance songs from Brazil’s dictatorship era.
US calls recognition of Palestinian state by allies ‘performative’
The United States calls the recognition of a Palestinian state by several key allies — including Britain, Australia and Canada — “performative.”
“Our focus remains on serious diplomacy, not performative gestures. Our priorities are clear: the release of the hostages, the security of Israel, and peace and prosperity for the entire region that is only possible free from Hamas,” a US State Department spokesperson says on condition of anonymity.
Trump praises conservative ‘giant’ Kirk at mega memorial event
US President Donald Trump calls slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk “a giant of his generation” at a massive memorial event marked by strong Christian rhetoric and praise for the man many speakers are referring to as a “martyr.”
The 79-year-old Republican says Kirk was “above all a devoted husband, father, son, Christian and patriot,” adding that he “was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice. For God and country. For reason and for common sense.”
The service has drawn an extraordinary level of attention and security, with the top brass of Trump’s administration joining tens of thousands in attendance, and some US media likening it to a state funeral.
Ahead of Trump’s address, the crowd heard speeches from prominent cabinet members including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk? You have made him immortal,” top Trump advisor Stephen Miller said, vowing “to save this civilization, to save the West.”
Among other speakers were right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson, Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.