Summary
Early results from Israel's recent election indicate a tight race, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc currently leading but lacking the majority needed to govern. As of the latest count, Netanyahu's coalition holds around 55 seats, while the opposition, led by Gadi Eisenkot, has approximately 49. Despite initial expectations of a stronger performance from the opposition, Netanyahu's supporters celebrated as the night progressed, suggesting a potential path forward despite the deadlock.
Voter turnout reached over 77%, the highest since 1999, with significant participation from Arab-Israeli communities, which historically have been less engaged in elections. This shift could complicate coalition-building efforts, as some opposition parties have indicated they will not partner with Arab parties. Analysts suggest that if neither bloc can form a government, Israel may face a precarious situation, particularly regarding ongoing tensions with Iran, as military options are reportedly being considered by the U.S. and Israel.
In the U.S., the political landscape heats up with President Trump's rally in Texas, supporting Senate candidate Ken Paxton against Democrat James Tallarico in what is projected to be the most expensive Senate race in history. Trump also announced plans to roll back environmental regulations on methane emissions, a move that has sparked debate over its implications for climate change and public health.
Meanwhile, in the tech sector, South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix reports record earnings, driven by demand for AI-related hardware, although investor sentiment remains cautious regarding AI valuations. The company anticipates a continued shortage of memory chips into 2030, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the semiconductor market.
Show Notes
A.M. Edition for Oct. 28. Early Israeli election results show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition ahead of rivals but still shy of a majority. WSJ’s Anat Peled reports from Tel Aviv that high voter turnout and the lack of a clear winner underscore deep splits in Israeli society ahead of what could be complex efforts to cobble together a new government. Plus, we’ll tune into dueling rallies in Texas, home to what could be the most expensive Senate race in history. And memory-chip titan SK Hynix reaps a windfall from surging demand for AI hardware. Luke Vargas hosts.
Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
More from WSJ What’s News
P.M. Edition for Oct. 27. Nurses have relatively high pay and job security in an AI world. But as the Journal’s Te-Ping Chen reports, workplace conditions that lead to burnout and threaten their safety are pushing them to quit more often. Plus, Brazil has revoked the passport of Flávio Bolsonaro, who over the weekend lost in the presidential election, as authorities investigate reports that he’s fled to Argentina en route to the U.S. We’ll also tell you the latest on the Israeli election as polls close there. And a ceasefire in a Ukrainian city is allowing humanitarian aid to reach starving residents. We hear from WSJ foreign correspondent Ian Lovett about how the ceasefire came about—in part thanks to first lady Melania Trump. Alex Ossola hosts.
A.M. Edition for Oct. 27. Just hours after unveiling details about its hotly-anticipated IPO, the AI startup announced a $63 billion debt deal to help fuel its AI infrastructure push. WSJ reporter Ben Dummett breaks down how Broadcom’s CEO intervened to seal the deal, which some critics have dubbed “circular financing.” Plus, tech reporter Amrith Ramkumar looks at the midterm races that could usher in fresh restrictions on data-center development. And despite once rapping that he’d never do it, Jay-Z is set to headline the next Super Bowl halftime show. Luke Vargas hosts.
P.M. Edition for Oct. 26. Anthropic’s IPO paperwork is out, and the 400-page document gives unprecedented insight into the company’s current business and its future ambitions. Corrie Driebusch, who covers IPOs for the Journal, discusses what stood out and what comes next. Plus, tomorrow is Israel’s election, and tens of thousands of Israelis living in the U.S. and other countries are flying back to vote. WSJ’s Anat Peled reports from Tel Aviv about why the election is a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu and why some consider it the most consequential election in Israel’s history. And Brazilian markets crash after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva unexpectedly won re-election last night. Alex Ossola hosts.
A.M. Edition for Oct. 26. As President Trump campaigns on a booming economy, reporter Jack Gillum breaks down a new WSJ analysis that shows his claims about pocketbook issues are facing widespread criticism across social media, podcasts and political advertising. Plus, Brazil’s leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva clings to power after orchestrating a surprise victory over Flávio Bolsonaro. And San Francisco voters debate a ballot measure to restore weekday vehicle traffic to a closed stretch of highway along the Pacific Ocean that is driving some locals mad. Luke Vargas hosts.
Democrats and Republicans are pulling out all the stops as they vie to control the next Congress, but neither party is saying much about their plans to address the looming 2032 depletion of the fund that pays out retirement benefits to nearly 75 million Americans. Budget observers find that particularly concerning, given the Senators elected this November will serve until early 2033. In this episode, WSJ tax policy reporter Richard Rubin looks at the range of options that exist to address Social Security's crunch. Luke Vargas hosts.