Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a direct appeal to Likud supporters ahead of Israel’s October 27 national election, telling party members that he is not a king and that he needs their votes to secure another term. Speaking to supporters in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu urged the Likud base to remain energized as the campaign enters a crucial phase, framing the election as a major contest between Israel’s political right and left. The latest polling has shown a closely fought contest, with no candidate holding a definitive lead and Netanyahu’s Likud facing strong competition from centrist and opposition forces. Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly has added another layer to the political confrontation. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has previously sharply criticised Netanyahu and his government over the Gaza war and Palestinian rights. WATCH

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a one-year moratorium on student-facing generative AI in NYC public schools, affecting nearly 600,000 students from 2-K through eighth grade. The policy targets AI tools used directly by younger students, including generative AI and AI-powered educational platforms. Around 40 AI-based tools currently used in NYC schools are expected to be suspended under the new policy.