Czech embassy denies reported decision regarding Jerusalem move
(JNS) — The Czech Embassy in Tel Aviv on Sunday denied a Hebrew media report that a decision had been made to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem.
“No decision has been made in the Czech Republic in this respect,” the embassy told JNS — a statement also affirmed by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Daniel Drake on Monday morning.
However, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office told JNS on Monday morning that, “According to a source briefed on the matter, [the report is] true.”
Israel’s Ynet outlet on Saturday reported that Prague was preparing to shift its embassy to the capital of the Jewish state, potentially becoming the first European Union member state to do so.
The move, if realized, would mirror the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump, who relocated the American embassy to Jerusalem in 2018.
Toronto Jewish leaders appalled police spent $14m, mostly on anti-Israel rallies without permits
(JNS) — The Toronto Police Service spent about $14 million — some 20 million Canadian dollars — in 2024 to maintain security at protests connected to Israel’s war against the Hamas terror group, according to an official report slated to be presented to the police department’s board, CTV News reported.
Police officers responded to more than 2,000 “unplanned events,” and about 40% of the money spent on security went to costs like overtime and call-back pay, per the report.
“Inaction endangers Torontonians and costs us money. Because our so-called ‘leaders’ have refused to act to uphold the law, nearly $20 million of our hard-earned tax dollars has been wasted policing hate rallies,” stated the Canadian parliamentarian Kevin Vuong, who represents Toronto. “The people of Toronto deserve better.”
US tariffs could cost up to 26,000 Israeli jobs, industry group says
(JNS) — As many as 26,000 Israelis stand to lose their jobs if the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump remain in place, the Manufacturers Association of Israel warned on Sunday ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the U.S. president.
According to an analysis published by the association, exports will take an annual $2.3 billion hit from the tariffs if fully implemented, and between 18,000 and 26,000 Israelis could potentially lose their jobs.
The tariffs issue is expected to feature prominently in the talks between Netanyahu and Trump, in the wake of the 17% U.S. tariff announced on April 2 on goods imported from the Jewish state — 10% effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 5 and an additional 7% at 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 9.
As Netanyahu arrives in Budapest, Hungary announces exit from International Criminal Court
(JTA) — Hungary will withdraw from the International Criminal Court, the body that issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last year.
The announcement preceded Netanyahu’s arrival in Budapest for a state visit, which comes as he faces multiple scandals at home and as Israel ramps up fighting in Gaza. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a doyen of the European populist right and a longtime Netanyahu ally.
Netanyahu’s trip to the United States last month was designed to bring Netanyahu together with President Donald Trump and to shore up support for Israel’s prosecution of its war in Gaza, and saw Trump pledge to take over the Gaza Strip and remove its Palestinian residents — promises that have recently gone unmentioned. Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary demonstrates that he is able to travel abroad despite the ICC warrant against him, issued over his alleged war conduct. The United States is not party to the ICC.
