Van Hollen, Kaine, Sanders plan to force vote on Israeli policy in West Bank

Turkey's Trump card

This briefing tracks major political updates, including reactions to controversial rhetoric, international diplomatic developments regarding the Middle East, and upcoming events in American political circles.

After clashing over Bibi arrest, Mamdani meets with U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, on Thursday morning — weeks after Waltz denounced the mayor’s suggestion that he might arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and weeks before the leader of the Jewish state is set to arrive in the Big Apple for... <a href="">Read More</a>

Turkey retains Trump-tied lobbying firm in Washington

The Turkish government has retained Ballard Partners — a lobbying firm with deep ties to President Donald Trump — to represent Ankara’s Ministry of National Defense in Washington, as Turkey and the U.S. continue to improve ties under the Trump administration despite growing animosity between Ankara and Jerusalem.&nbsp; Brian Ballard, a prominent Florida Republican fundraiser... <a href="https://jewishinsider.com/2026/08/eric-pratt-minnesota-gop-congress-matt-little/0815farmfest-jpg/">Read More</a>

Over 70% of Jewish teachers in unions fear speaking out about antisemitism, ADL report finds

More than 70% of Jewish teachers in unions fear that speaking up about antisemitism in their union could harm their careers or reputations, according to a study published Thursday by the Anti-Defamation League.&nbsp; The report, “Antisemitism in U.S. Teachers Unions,” surveyed 307 Jewish members of teachers unions in 24 states — with significant representation from... <a href="">Read More</a>

Ossoff ‘unreservedly rejects’ Piker’s comments on Jewish support for Israel

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) joined the growing list of Democrats condemning far-left streamer Hasan Piker’s recent comments suggesting American Jews bear responsibility for inciting antisemitic attacks due to their support for Israel. Piker had in March named Ossoff as his “dark-horse pick” for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, alongside a series of further-left candidates. Ossoff,... <a href="https://jewishinsider.com/profiles/tamara-harel-cohen/">Read More</a>