The Full Belmonte, 12/5/2023
Israel pushes into southern Gaza in “most intense” day of fighting
“The Israel Defense Forces said today has been ‘the most intense day since the beginning of the ground operation,’ as troops push farther south into Gaza, where Israel had previously told civilians from the north to evacuate.
Israeli forces backed by warplanes are now fighting in ‘the heart of Khan Younis,’ Gaza’s second largest city, a military spokesman said.
As Israel ramped up airstrikes on the city, injured Palestinians were rushed in ambulances and private vehicles to a hospital in Khan Younis.
Israel has now ordered evacuations in about a fifth of Khan Younis, but with 85 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million population displaced, according to the U.N., civilians are running out of places to go.
Israel believes the Hamas leaders who planned the Oct. 7 terror attack are taking shelter in southern Gaza.
At least 137 hostages are still being held in Gaza, including 17 women and children, Israeli officials said, and we’re now learning more about the horrors many had to endure.
Hamas carried out a ‘premeditated’ plan to use rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war, Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. alleged Monday.
During the cease-fire that collapsed last week, 105 hostages were released from Gaza. Among them was 5-year-old Amelia Aloni, who was embraced by classmates today on her first day back to kindergarten since she was freed.” [NBC News]
Biden condemns Philly antisemitism
Protesters in Philadelphia stand outside of Goldie, a falafel restaurant. Image: Jordan Van Glish via X
“The White House condemned a pro-Palestinian demonstration that targeted a Jewish-owned kosher falafel shop in Philadelphia with chants of ‘genocide.’
Why it matters: It's a high-profile new example of ways the Israel-Hamas war is roiling American campuses, businesses and politics — the rare international conflict that Americans feel viscerally and personally.
The image above is from video taken by a neighbor of Goldie — the vegan, Israeli-style falafel shop — at 5:20 p.m. yesterday.
Protesters with drums and a loudspeaker — some waving Palestinian flags — can be heard chanting, ‘Goldie, Goldie you can't hide! We charge you with genocide!’
The big picture: The demonstration was part of a march by hundreds of protesters through Philly's Center City and University City, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) reposted the video and said: ‘Tonight in Philly, we saw a blatant act of antisemitism — not a peaceful protest. A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history.’
‘I've communicated tonight with [co-owner] @Mike_Solomonov and his team at Goldie to share our support and Lori and I look forward to breaking bread there with them again soon.’
Between the lines: Solomonov is one of the biggest restaurateurs in Philadelphia and one of the most famous chefs in the country.
His flagship restaurant, Zahav, has won a James Beard award for outstanding restaurant — one of the industry's most coveted prizes.
Customers line up for lunch at Goldie today. Photo: Matt Rourke/AP
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates today called it ‘antisemitic and completely unjustifiable to target restaurants that serve Israeli food over disagreements with Israeli policy.’
‘President Biden has fought against the evil of antisemitism his entire life, including by launching the first national strategy to counter this hate in American history,’ the statement adds. ‘He will always stand up firmly against these kinds of undignified actions.’
What we're hearing: The 2020 Biden-Harris headquarters was just a few blocks from Goldie, which was a lunch mainstay for campaign staffers.” [Axios]
“The presidents of Harvard University, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania testified before Congress today about the rise in antisemitism on campuses since the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel.” [NBC News]
FBI chief warns terror threat to the U.S. at unprecedented level
FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Senate today that the terror threat to the U.S. has reached unprecedented levels since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
“‘I’ve never seen a time where all the threats or so many of the threats are all elevated, all at exactly the same time,’ Wray testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
When asked by Sen. Lindsey Graham if Wray sees ‘blinking red lights’ similar to the missed warning signs before 9/11, Wray responded, ‘I see blinking lights everywhere I turn.’” [NBC News]
Suspicious short-selling spike
Smoke is seen in Rehovot, Israel, as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7. Photo: Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters
“Researchers are flagging a suspicious surge in the short selling of Israeli stocks days before the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, Axios Markets co-author Matt Phillips writes.
Why it matters: A new draft paper published today by two law professors posits that a trader — or traders — was informed of Hamas' plans to attack ahead of time and potentially made millions on it.
Short sellers benefit when share prices decline, as Israeli stocks did in the aftermath of the attacks.
‘Our findings suggest that traders informed about the coming attacks profited from these tragic events,’ wrote NYU's Robert Jackson Jr. and Columbia's Joshua Mitts.
Reality check: While the paper presents a compelling case for a further investigation of what, if anything, went on, it's not a slam dunk.
The authors note: ‘We are unable to link particular market participants to the pre-attack developments we see in securities markets.’” [Axios]
Supreme Court reviews opioid settlement that shields Sackler family
“The Supreme Court appeared divided today over a proposed bankruptcy settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that would pay billions to the victims of the opioid crisis, while shielding members of the Sackler family, who owned the company, from liability.
Under the deal, the Sackler family agreed to pay around $6 billion to settle opioid-related claims, in return for immunity in future cases. The Supreme Court put a hold on the agreement in August.
During today’s arguments, some justices expressed doubt that a bankruptcy court had the authority to release the Sacklers from liability.
Justice Neil Gorsuch said the deal raised ‘serious’ constitutional questions, saying it would violate the rights of plaintiffs who have not signed on to the deal.
Others, like Gorsuch’s fellow conservative, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, appeared wary of scuttling the deal, saying ‘bankruptcy courts for 30 years have been approving plans like this.’” [NBC News]
One Supreme Court Case Could Mess Up Chunks of the Tax Code
“A case that could punch holes in the federal tax code heads to the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
The court will hear arguments in Moore v. U.S., which challenges a piece of the 2017 tax law that imposed a one-time levy on profits that companies had accumulated outside the U.S. But its implications could reach much further.”
READ MORE at Wall Street Journal
Two new Supreme Court cases ask if there’s a right to medically necessary abortion
Sha Hanting/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images
Anti-abortion state officials are asking the US Supreme Court to overturn a person’s right to a medically necessary abortion as is currently required under federal law.
“Two lawsuits, one brought by Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador and the other by Idaho’s Republican legislature, target the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTLA), a cornerstone of the US health care system.
The act is a national mandate stipulating that if a person shows up at a hospital’s emergency room with a medical emergency, the hospital must treat them — regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.
That federal requirement could be read as dictating that emergency rooms have to provide abortions when medically necessary, even if the procedure is otherwise banned under state law. Idaho Republicans, however, want the Court to decide that those abortions should not be permitted. The state banned abortions in all stages of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest, and saving the life of the pregnant person, after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Idaho’s exceptions don’t fully align with EMTLA’s protections; while a medical situation endangering the life of the pregnant person would count as a medical emergency, the act doesn’t limit medically necessary procedures to life-or-death situations. It requires the hospital to offer treatment to the patient if the person’s health is in serious jeopardy, if there is a risk of serious impairment to their bodily functions, or if there is serious dysfunction of any body part or organ.
Imagine this scenario: A pregnant patient walks through the emergency room doors with an emergency that is not likely to kill the person but could irrevocably damage their uterus. Under the plain text of EMTLA, Vox’s Ian Millheiser writes, the hospital would be required to perform an abortion to prevent that loss of bodily function if the person desires it. Such a procedure would be illegal under Idaho law, however.
Idaho’s case rests on two arguments about the EMTLA. One, that it’s invalid because federal employees legally cannot have control over the practice of medicine and, two, that the law’s wording requires hospitals to also stabilize a person’s “unborn child” if they are in peril during an ongoing medical emergency.
But there are clear flaws in the state’s legal theory, the Biden administration counters.
First, the provision about controlling the practice of medicine applies to federal employees, not to Congress, which has written all kinds of laws over the years concerning the provision of health care.
Second, the hospital is not required to perform an abortion against a patient’s wishes. The law says the hospital must offer treatment to stabilize the patient. So in the tragic scenario when both the pregnant person and fetus are at risk, the hospital is supposed to explain the risks and benefits of different treatment options to the patient (or their family) and then follow the decision that the patient makes.
The Constitution makes these ‘easy cases,’ Ian writes. The US Constitution dictates that in situations where federal law and state law conflict, as appears to be the case with Idaho and EMTLA, the federal statute overrides the state’s policy.
Nothing can be taken for granted with SCOTUS and abortion, however. A lower federal court initially ruled that EMTLA must be enforced for medically necessary abortions, but a panel of Trump-appointed appeals judges briefly stayed that decision before being reversed. The question now, Ian concludes, is whether the justices will follow the letter of the law.” [Vox]
Special counsel Jack Smith alleges Trump ‘sent’ supporters on a violent path to obstruct the election on Jan. 6
“In a new court filing, Smith went further in linking former president Donald Trump to the violence of Jan. 6, 2021. He plans to introduce evidence at his election obstruction trial that even after that day, Trump encouraged violence.”
Read the story at Washington Post
US aid to Ukraine looks like it’s in jeopardy
Marek M. Berezowski/Anadolu via Getty Images
“The White House warned Congress that US funds to support Ukraine in its war against Russia are running out — but Republicans aren’t budging. The standoff imperils any future American assistance nearly two years into the conflict.
Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia, which began this summer, has largely stalled, with the two sides increasingly entrenched. The United States has put more than $110 billion behind the war effort, but a senior White House official wrote in a letter to Congress that a failure to appropriate more funding would ‘kneecap’ Ukraine and could lead to Russian military victories as Putin’s government continues to pour men and equipment into the battle.
The Senate is supposed to vote on $61 billion in additional support for Ukraine this week. The new funding is part of a larger package that includes more money for Israel in its war against Hamas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is slated to speak to senators remotely in a classified briefing ahead of the vote.
But Republicans say they won’t back more Ukraine funding without border security provisions. The House majority, under the leadership of its new speaker, Mike Johnson, has dug in against additional funding without border control sweeteners.
It’s not clear if a Ukraine bill can pass. As of Tuesday morning, according to Punchbowl News, the expectation on Capitol Hill is the Senate bill will fail on a procedural vote on Wednesday. The question is what happens next. Senate Republicans appear to be on board with a border security-for-Ukraine funding trade but, for the time being, there is no deal on such a trade.
The reality on the ground in Ukraine may be more complicated than the political rhetoric. The US is still sending $100 million in arms and ammunition every week and has $4.8 billion more to spend on hand that they expect will last the winter. But with no resolution to the war in sight, there will inevitably come a point when Ukraine needs more assistance — and it’s unclear if the US will be willing to provide it.” [Vox]
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich stands in a glass cage in a Moscow courtroom in October. Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP
“Moscow's detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich hit 250 days today.
‘We will continue to pull any lever possible, both public and private, pressing for his release and keeping his story top of mind, as we have done every day over the past eight months,’ WSJ editor-in-chief Emma Tucker writes.” [Axios]
Senator Tommy Tuberville drops hold on hundreds of military nominees
“Under bipartisan pressure, Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced today he is lifting his hold on hundreds of military nominations.
The Alabama Republican, who has faced mounting criticism from his own party for his stance, said he will no longer block military promotions that are three-star and below, amounting to more than 400 promotions.
‘I’m releasing everybody. I still got a hold on I think 11 four-star generals. Everybody else is completely released from me.’ Tuberville told reporters. ‘But other than that, it’s over.’
Since February, Tuberville has been blocking military nominations over objections to the Pentagon’s policy that pays travel costs for service members who may be forced to cross state lines to procure an abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned.” [NBC News]
Rep. Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.), who served as interim House speaker after Kevin McCarthy’s ouster, will retire from Congress
“The North Carolina Republican won’t seek reelection next year, according to a person familiar with his plans. McHenry, chairman of the Financial Services Committee, is a McCarthy ally who presided over the chamber for three weeks. His planned retirement is among the more high-profile upcoming departures from the House.”
Read the story at Washington Post
Powerful atmospheric river storms slam Pacific Northwest
“Three storms fueled by atmospheric rivers are targeting the Pacific Northwest beginning today, with flood watches in effect from western Washington state down through coastal northern California.
Today’s heaviest rain is impacting parts of Washington and Oregon.
One driver was rescued north of Seattle when a car became stuck in floodwaters, according to the local sheriff’s office.
Tomorrow, the heaviest rain and potential gusty winds reach Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area.
We’re also tracking a clipper system across the Ohio Valley, central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic regions today.” [NBC News]
Deadly stabbing at Macy’s store in Philadelphia
“One security guard was killed and another was injured in a stabbing at a Macy's store in Philadelphia today during the busy holiday shopping season, police said.
Investigators said the suspect was trying to steal hats when he was stopped by guards, who took back the merchandise.
The suspect left the store and returned 15 minutes later, stabbing one of the guards, a 30-year-old man, in the neck, police said.
The second guard, a 23-year-old man, was stabbed in the face and arm as he tried to intervene, according to police.
The 30-year-old guard was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. The 23-year-old guard is in stable condition, police said.
The suspect fled the scene, and was later arrested at a SEPTA train station, according to police.” [NBC News]
Former U.S. ambassador arrested on charges of spying for Cuba
“A former U.S. ambassador has been arrested and charged with spying for Cuba for decades, the Justice Department said today.
Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, who once served as the U.S. envoy to Bolivia, was arrested in Miami on Friday, and will make his first appearance in federal court today, authorities said.
Rocha engaged in ‘clandestine activity’ on Cuba’s behalf since at least 1981, meeting with Cuban intelligence operatives and providing false information to the U.S. government, according to the Justice Department.
Rocha served on the National Security Council from 1994 to 1995 and as the U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia from 2000 to 2002.
His arrest ‘exposes one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the United States government by a foreign agent,’ Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.” [NBC News]
“Search teams have found five bodies in the wreckage of the CV-22 Osprey that crashed off the coast of Japan last week, reigniting a debate about the US military aircraft’s safety.” [BBC]
Teen girls are being victimized by deepfake nudes. One family is pushing for more protections
“Explicit AI-generated material that overwhelmingly harms women and children is booming online at an unprecedented rate. More than 143,000 new deepfake videos were posted online this year, according to an analysis by an independent researcher that was shared with The AP.” Read More at AP News
CVS Plans to Overhaul How Much Drugs Cost
“CVS will move away from the complex formulas used to set the prices of the prescription drugs it sells, shifting to a simpler model that could upend how American pharmacies are paid.”
READ MORE at Wall Street Journal
“The president of the NCAA has proposed a dramatic shift in the world of college sports, asking 350 schools to create a new Division 1 tier that would pay athletes.” [NBC News]
“Maria Martin, a ground-breaking Latina radio journalist who later founded "Latino USA," one of the first nationally syndicated radio programs about Latinos, died at 72. More from Axios' Russell Contreras.” [Axios]