Hurricane&nbsp;Lorenzo&nbsp;has reached Portugal's Azores islands and is already causing strong winds and a few minor incidents across the mid-Atlantic archipelago, authorities said early on Wednesday.

"Right now the hurricane has already arrived in the Azores because we are already being affected by it," said Carlos Neves, the president of the Azores' civil protection authority.

Speaking to reporters, Neves said the hurricane is southwest of the island of Flores and it will affect the remaining western islands at around 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

The hurricane, packing&nbsp;155-kph&nbsp;winds, is likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, with only a slow weakening forecast over the next 48 hours, US&nbsp;forecaster the National Hurricane Center said.

Neves said five minor incidents, such as fallen trees, have been reported so far.

Despite weakening from a Saturday peak,&nbsp;Lorenzo&nbsp;is still a strong Category 2 hurricane but will downgrade to a Category 1 as it continues to follow its path, Portugal's meteorological agency IPMA has said.

Schools and non-emergency public services will be closed on Wednesday, the regional government has said, with ports on some islands also shut.

Authorities closed numerous streets and roads in the Azores as a precautionary measure.

Five minor incidents, including fallen trees, had been reported, while more than 300 firefighters had been put on alert.

"The situation will worsen in the next few hours," Vasco Cordeiro, the president of the regional government, told Portuguese TV channel SIC, as winds strengthened in Flores, which IPMA expects will be the worst hit. The island has about 4,000 inhabitants.

Hurricane Lorenzo has reached Portugal's Azores islands and is already causing strong winds and a few minor incidents across the mid-Atlantic archipelago, authorities said early on Wednesday.

Hurricane Lorenzo has reached Portugal's Azores islands and is already causing strong winds and a few minor incidents across the mid-Atlantic archipelago, authorities said early on Wednesday. "Right now the hurricane has already arrived in the Azores because we are already being affected by it," said Carlos Neves, the president of the Azores' civil protection authority. Speaking to reporters, Neves said the hurricane is southwest of the island of Flores and it will affect the remaining western islands at around 6 a.m. on Wednesday. The hurricane, packing 155-kph winds, is likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, with only a slow weakening forecast over the next 48 hours, US forecaster the National Hurricane Center said. Neves said five minor incidents, such as fallen trees, have been reported so far. Despite weakening from a Saturday peak, Lorenzo is still a strong Category 2 hurricane but will downgrade to a Category 1 as it continues to follow its path, Portugal's meteorological agency IPMA has said. Schools and non-emergency public services will be closed on Wednesday, the regional government has said, with ports on some islands also shut. Authorities closed numerous streets and roads in the Azores as a precautionary measure. Five minor incidents, including fallen trees, had been reported, while more than 300 firefighters had been put on alert. "The situation will worsen in the next few hours," Vasco Cordeiro, the president of the regional government, told Portuguese TV channel SIC, as winds strengthened in Flores, which IPMA expects will be the worst hit. The island has about 4,000 inhabitants.

Emergency services prepare for hurricane Lorenzo in Portugal

Spontaneous flash-mob rallies <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-next-for-hong-kongs-protest-movement-251680">broke out in Hong Kong</a> on Wednesday as anger mounted over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-mops-up-braces-for-fresh-protests-after-national-day-violence-253194">police shooting a teenage protester</a> who attacked officers in a dramatic escalation of the violent unrest that has engulfed the territory for months.

A few thousand demonstrators, including office workers in shirts and suits, mustered in a park and then began marching through the city's commercial district in an unsanctioned rally, chanting anti-police and anti-government slogans.

Hours earlier, hundreds of students staged a sit-in at the school of 18-year-old Tsang Chi-kin, who was shot in the chest by a policeman as he and a group of masked protesters attacked officers with umbrellas and poles.

The international finance hub has been left reeling from the shooting, the first time a demonstrator has been struck with a live round in nearly four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

Hong Kong was battered by the most sustained political clashes of the year on Tuesday as China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule with a massive military parade in Beijing.

The spiralling violence underscored seething public anger against Beijing's rule and shifted the spotlight from China's carefully choreographed birthday party, which was designed to showcase its status as a global superpower.

Running battles raged for hours across multiple locations as hardcore protesters hurled rocks and petrol bombs. Police responded for the most part with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-of-live-rounds-was-lawful-and-fair-hong-kong-police-defends-use-of-live-ammunition-253181">Police said the officer fired at Tsang because he feared for his life</a> on a day that saw his colleagues fire five warning shots from their pistols throughout the city.

"In this very short span of time, he made a decision and shot the assailant," police chief Stephen Lo said.

But protest groups said the officer charged into the melee with his firearm drawn and condemned the increasing use of live rounds.

"The people of Hong Kong are sick and tired of having mere words of condemnation as their only shields against lethal bullets and rifles," a masked protester said at a press conference near Tsang's school.

Opinion divided

The shooting was captured on video that quickly went viral.

Opinion towards the shooting has largely cemented along ideological divides with pro-democracy activists condemning the police and establishment figures calling it a justified use of force.

Tsang, who was filmed trying to strike the officer with a pole as he was shot, was taken to a nearby hospital in a critical condition but authorities said his condition had since improved.

A friend and classmate of Tsang, who gave his first name Marco, said the 18-year-old was a keen basketballer who was infuriated by sliding freedoms in Hong Kong and the police response to the protests.

"If he sees any problems or anything unjust, he would face it bravely, speak up against it, instead of bearing it silently," Marco told AFP.

Police said 25 officers were injured in the National Day clashes, including some who suffered chemical burns from a corrosive liquid that was thrown at them by protesters. The liquid also wounded some journalists.

Hospital authorities said more than 70 people were admitted on Tuesday. Police made some 160 arrests throughout the day.

On Wednesday, 96 protesters arrested during clashes with police on Sunday appeared in court charged with rioting, according to court documents. Their ages ranged from 14 to 39.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sit-in-at-school-of-hong-kong-protester-shot-by-police-253170">The majority were students</a> in their early twenties but other occupations listed included a waitress, a teacher, a doctor, an advertising executive and a cook.

Hong Kong's protests were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions to the mainland.

But after Beijing and local leaders took a hardline they snowballed into a wider movement calling for democratic freedoms and police accountability.

With Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam seemingly unwilling or unable to find a political solution, police have been left to battle increasingly radicalised protesters.

The sentiment is hardening on all sides.

Protesters and some local residents routinely shout "triads" at officers who often respond by calling demonstrators "cockroaches".

The protest movement's main demands are an independent inquiry into police actions, an amnesty for those arrested and universal suffrage.

But Beijing and Lam have said they are unwilling to meet those demands.

Spontaneous flash-mob rallies broke out in Hong Kong on Wednesday as anger mounted over police shooting a teenage protester who attacked officers in a dramatic escalation of the violent unrest that has engulfed the territory for months.

Spontaneous flash-mob rallies broke out in Hong Kong on Wednesday as anger mounted over police shooting a teenage protester who attacked officers in a dramatic escalation of the violent unrest that has engulfed the territory for months. A few thousand demonstrators, including office workers in shirts and suits, mustered in a park and then began marching through the city's commercial district in an unsanctioned rally, chanting anti-police and anti-government slogans. Hours earlier, hundreds of students staged a sit-in at the school of 18-year-old Tsang Chi-kin, who was shot in the chest by a policeman as he and a group of masked protesters attacked officers with umbrellas and poles. The international finance hub has been left reeling from the shooting, the first time a demonstrator has been struck with a live round in nearly four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests. Hong Kong was battered by the most sustained political clashes of the year on Tuesday as China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule with a massive military parade in Beijing. The spiralling violence underscored seething public anger against Beijing's rule and shifted the spotlight from China's carefully choreographed birthday party, which was designed to showcase its status as a global superpower. Running battles raged for hours across multiple locations as hardcore protesters hurled rocks and petrol bombs. Police responded for the most part with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon. Police said the officer fired at Tsang because he feared for his life on a day that saw his colleagues fire five warning shots from their pistols throughout the city. "In this very short span of time, he made a decision and shot the assailant," police chief Stephen Lo said. But protest groups said the officer charged into the melee with his firearm drawn and condemned the increasing use of live rounds. "The people of Hong Kong are sick and tired of having mere words of condemnation as their only shields against lethal bullets and rifles," a masked protester said at a press conference near Tsang's school. Opinion divided The shooting was captured on video that quickly went viral. Opinion towards the shooting has largely cemented along ideological divides with pro-democracy activists condemning the police and establishment figures calling it a justified use of force. Tsang, who was filmed trying to strike the officer with a pole as he was shot, was taken to a nearby hospital in a critical condition but authorities said his condition had since improved. A friend and classmate of Tsang, who gave his first name Marco, said the 18-year-old was a keen basketballer who was infuriated by sliding freedoms in Hong Kong and the police response to the protests. "If he sees any problems or anything unjust, he would face it bravely, speak up against it, instead of bearing it silently," Marco told AFP. Police said 25 officers were injured in the National Day clashes, including some who suffered chemical burns from a corrosive liquid that was thrown at them by protesters. The liquid also wounded some journalists. Hospital authorities said more than 70 people were admitted on Tuesday. Police made some 160 arrests throughout the day. On Wednesday, 96 protesters arrested during clashes with police on Sunday appeared in court charged with rioting, according to court documents. Their ages ranged from 14 to 39. The majority were students in their early twenties but other occupations listed included a waitress, a teacher, a doctor, an advertising executive and a cook. Hong Kong's protests were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions to the mainland. But after Beijing and local leaders took a hardline they snowballed into a wider movement calling for democratic freedoms and police accountability. With Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam seemingly unwilling or unable to find a political solution, police have been left to battle increasingly radicalised protesters. The sentiment is hardening on all sides. Protesters and some local residents routinely shout "triads" at officers who often respond by calling demonstrators "cockroaches". The protest movement's main demands are an independent inquiry into police actions, an amnesty for those arrested and universal suffrage. But Beijing and Lam have said they are unwilling to meet those demands.

Hong Kong flash-mob rallies erupt as anger mounts over shot protester

Sneak peek into lives of Tantalum mine workers in Congo

Singapore's new law to combat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-closes-thousands-of-accounts-worldwide-250847">"fake news"</a> came into effect today despite criticism from tech giants and activists, who labelled the tough rules a "chilling" attempt to stifle dissent.

The law gives government ministers powers to order social media sites to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false, and in extreme cases get them taken down.

Facebook, Twitter and Google -&nbsp;who have their Asian headquarters in Singapore - were given temporary exemptions from a handful of provisions in the act to give them time to adapt.

If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to $720,000, while individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years.

Authorities in the tightly controlled country - long criticised for restricting civil liberties - insist the measures are necessary to stop the circulation of falsehoods that could sow divisions in society and erode trust in institutions.

But the laws have sparked outrage from rights groups, who fear they could stifle online discussion, tech companies and media organisations.

Journalist and activist Kirsten Han, who is the Editor-in-Chief of independent media outlet New Naratif, said the legislation was "extremely worrying".&nbsp;

"It’s such a broad law that it's hard to predict how it's going to be applied. What's of immediate concern is the chilling effect and the further entrenchment of self-censorship," she told AFP.

After the law was passed in May, Google said it was concerned the legislation will "hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem".

A group of nearly 100 academics worldwide also expressed concern over the law, warning earlier this year that it could threaten academic freedom.

Activists fear the law could be used to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-rapped-for-not-doing-enough-in-european-union-fake-news-fight-219412">crackdown on dissent</a> in the run-up to elections in Singapore, which are expected within months.

Singapore's new law to combat "fake news" came into effect today despite criticism from tech giants and activists, who labelled the tough rules a "chilling" attempt to stifle dissent.

Singapore's new law to combat "fake news" came into effect today despite criticism from tech giants and activists, who labelled the tough rules a "chilling" attempt to stifle dissent. The law gives government ministers powers to order social media sites to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false, and in extreme cases get them taken down. Facebook, Twitter and Google - who have their Asian headquarters in Singapore - were given temporary exemptions from a handful of provisions in the act to give them time to adapt. If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to $720,000, while individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years. Authorities in the tightly controlled country - long criticised for restricting civil liberties - insist the measures are necessary to stop the circulation of falsehoods that could sow divisions in society and erode trust in institutions. But the laws have sparked outrage from rights groups, who fear they could stifle online discussion, tech companies and media organisations. Journalist and activist Kirsten Han, who is the Editor-in-Chief of independent media outlet New Naratif, said the legislation was "extremely worrying". "It’s such a broad law that it's hard to predict how it's going to be applied. What's of immediate concern is the chilling effect and the further entrenchment of self-censorship," she told AFP. After the law was passed in May, Google said it was concerned the legislation will "hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem". A group of nearly 100 academics worldwide also expressed concern over the law, warning earlier this year that it could threaten academic freedom. Activists fear the law could be used to crackdown on dissent in the run-up to elections in Singapore, which are expected within months.

Singapore's 'fake news' law takes effect as critics sound alarm

Twitter Inc said late on Tuesday that the social media website and its dashboard management platform TweetDeck was hit with an outage, with thousands of global users left in the dark.

"You might have had trouble Tweeting, getting notifications, or viewing DMs. We're currently working on a fix, and should be back to normal soon", the company said in a tweet, which did not give further details.

Outage monitoring website Outage.report received more than 4,000 reports of the incident globally, including Japan, Canada and India.

A Twitter representative had earlier told Reuters that the company was investigating issues with TweetDeck, which is used by reporters and other content creators for monitoring tweets from multiple Twitter accounts.

Log in attempts by users of TweetDeck seemed to be redirecting users to Twitter's website.

Twitter Inc said late on Tuesday that the social media website and its dashboard management platform TweetDeck was hit with an outage, with thousands of global users left in the dark.

Twitter Inc said late on Tuesday that the social media website and its dashboard management platform TweetDeck was hit with an outage, with thousands of global users left in the dark. "You might have had trouble Tweeting, getting notifications, or viewing DMs. We're currently working on a fix, and should be back to normal soon", the company said in a tweet, which did not give further details. Outage monitoring website Outage.report received more than 4,000 reports of the incident globally, including Japan, Canada and India. A Twitter representative had earlier told Reuters that the company was investigating issues with TweetDeck, which is used by reporters and other content creators for monitoring tweets from multiple Twitter accounts. Log in attempts by users of TweetDeck seemed to be redirecting users to Twitter's website.

Twitter, TweetDeck suffer global outage, thousands hit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/general-motors-workers-begin-nationwide-strike-in-us-249987">General Motors</a> has laid off 6,000 workers in Mexico temporarily due to a US labour strike, which has disrupted production at two plants south of the border manufacturing pickup trucks, the company said Tuesday.

The layoffs affect the Silao assembly and transmission plants in central Mexico, where work has been "disrupted as a result of a parts shortage related to the UAW strike," a GM spokesman said.

The Silao workers are expected to return to their jobs after the strike, the spokesman said.

GM's Mexican arm notified workers at the Silao assembly plant that they had been placed on indefinite, mandatory vacation and would receive 55 per cent of their pay, according to an internal document obtained by AFP.

However, the company emphasized that no one was permanently laid off.

"There are no layoffs for the moment, we&nbsp;are evaluating the situation day to day and hope to restore normal operations soon, in a matter of days," spokeswoman Teresa Cid told AFP.

The two plants in Silao, Guanajuato state, produce GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks.

The moves come on top of the furlough of more than 3,000 workers in Canada and at an Ohio plant where GM operates a joint venture with Isuzu to make diesel engines.

Nearly 50,000 US workers are on strike at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gm-recalls-35-mn-vehicles-on-brake-issue-249068">GM</a>&nbsp;due to a United Auto Workers conflict over the labour contract, now in its third week.

Workers launched the strike on September 16 after contract talks failed to yield an agreement on wages, health benefits, temporary workers and job security.

The strike also comes against the backdrop of GM's decision last November to effectively shutter five plants in North America.

A report Tuesday from JPMorgan Chase estimated that the strike has so far cost GM $1 billion, adding that the company has the potential to recover some of the lost profits in the fourth quarter if the strike ends soon.

General Motors has laid off 6,000 workers in Mexico temporarily due to a US labour strike, which has disrupted production at two plants south of the border manufacturing pickup trucks, the company said Tuesday.

General Motors has laid off 6,000 workers in Mexico temporarily due to a US labour strike, which has disrupted production at two plants south of the border manufacturing pickup trucks, the company said Tuesday. The layoffs affect the Silao assembly and transmission plants in central Mexico, where work has been "disrupted as a result of a parts shortage related to the UAW strike," a GM spokesman said. The Silao workers are expected to return to their jobs after the strike, the spokesman said. GM's Mexican arm notified workers at the Silao assembly plant that they had been placed on indefinite, mandatory vacation and would receive 55 per cent of their pay, according to an internal document obtained by AFP. However, the company emphasized that no one was permanently laid off. "There are no layoffs for the moment, we are evaluating the situation day to day and hope to restore normal operations soon, in a matter of days," spokeswoman Teresa Cid told AFP. The two plants in Silao, Guanajuato state, produce GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks. The moves come on top of the furlough of more than 3,000 workers in Canada and at an Ohio plant where GM operates a joint venture with Isuzu to make diesel engines. Nearly 50,000 US workers are on strike at GM due to a United Auto Workers conflict over the labour contract, now in its third week. Workers launched the strike on September 16 after contract talks failed to yield an agreement on wages, health benefits, temporary workers and job security. The strike also comes against the backdrop of GM's decision last November to effectively shutter five plants in North America. A report Tuesday from JPMorgan Chase estimated that the strike has so far cost GM $1 billion, adding that the company has the potential to recover some of the lost profits in the fourth quarter if the strike ends soon.

General Motors temporarily lays off 6,000 workers in Mexico due to strike

Two former officials who were engaged in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-denounces-impeachment-inquiry-as-a-coup-253163">Trump administration's dealings</a> with Ukraine will meet with US&nbsp;congressional committees starting this week, as the impeachment enquiry into President Donald Trump gains steam.

Congressional staff was also due to attend a briefing at the Capitol on Wednesday by the State Department's inspector general, Steve Linick, according to two sources familiar with the situation.

Staff members from the Senate and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs and Foreign Relations, Intelligence, Oversight and Appropriations committees were invited to the briefing. The session was expected to address Ukraine-related documents that have been subpoenaed by House committees.

Following a whistleblower complaint last week, Democrats are looking into Trump's request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a July 25 phone call to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender in the Democratic race to run against Republican Trump in the 2020 election.

The unidentified whistleblower is said to be an intelligence agent who accused Trump of soliciting foreign interference for his personal political benefit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suggests-arrest-for-treason-of-democrat-leading-impeachment-probe-252892">Trump has denied wrongdoing and assailed the probe</a>.

Kurt Volker, who resigned last week as Trump's special representative for Ukraine, was to go to Capitol Hill to give a deposition to House staff on Thursday, the day he had been asked to appear.

Marie Yovanovitch, who was US&nbsp;ambassador to Ukraine until she was abruptly recalled in May, has agreed to appear on October&nbsp;11, not on Wednesday as originally requested.

With their deep knowledge of Ukraine, testimony by Yovanovitch and Volker could be especially important to the impeachment probe formally launched by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week.

The enquiry could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. That would lead to a trial in the Senate on whether to remove him from office. But the president's fellow Republicans control that chamber and have shown little appetite for removing him.

Yovanovitch was ordered back to Washington two months before the end of her three-year tour in Kiev. The career diplomat, who had served during both Republican and Democratic administrations, had been the subject of attacks in right-leaning media and Democrats had suggested her recall was politically motivated.

More subpoenas expected

Over the past few days, the Democratic chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees have issued subpoenas to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and scheduled depositions with a series of other current and former officials, as well as associates of Giuliani, as they seek to unearth more evidence of potential wrongdoing by Trump.

Trump asked Zelenskiy during the July call to investigate Biden and his son Hunter in coordination with US&nbsp;Attorney General William Barr and Giuliani.

Announcements of more subpoenas and requests for depositions are expected.

The impeachment investigation has cast a pall over Trump's re-election effort.

On Twitter on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-at-stake-like-never-before-trump-to-supporters-252638">Trump</a> repeated his assertion that his call with Zelenskiy was "perfect," and attacked Pelosi and Representative Adam Schiff, the House intelligence committee chairman.

"This is just another Fake News Media, together with their partner, the Democrat Party, HOAX!" the president tweeted.

On Tuesday, Pompeo took to Twitter to address the investigation. He posted a letter accusing Representative Eliot Engel, the House Foreign Affairs chairman, of requesting depositions as "an attempt to intimidate, bully and treat improperly" State Department employees.

Two former officials who were engaged in the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine will meet with US congressional committees starting this week, as the impeachment enquiry into President Donald Trump gains steam.

Two former officials who were engaged in the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine will meet with US congressional committees starting this week, as the impeachment enquiry into President Donald Trump gains steam. Congressional staff was also due to attend a briefing at the Capitol on Wednesday by the State Department's inspector general, Steve Linick, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Staff members from the Senate and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs and Foreign Relations, Intelligence, Oversight and Appropriations committees were invited to the briefing. The session was expected to address Ukraine-related documents that have been subpoenaed by House committees. Following a whistleblower complaint last week, Democrats are looking into Trump's request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a July 25 phone call to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender in the Democratic race to run against Republican Trump in the 2020 election. The unidentified whistleblower is said to be an intelligence agent who accused Trump of soliciting foreign interference for his personal political benefit. Trump has denied wrongdoing and assailed the probe. Kurt Volker, who resigned last week as Trump's special representative for Ukraine, was to go to Capitol Hill to give a deposition to House staff on Thursday, the day he had been asked to appear. Marie Yovanovitch, who was US ambassador to Ukraine until she was abruptly recalled in May, has agreed to appear on October 11, not on Wednesday as originally requested. With their deep knowledge of Ukraine, testimony by Yovanovitch and Volker could be especially important to the impeachment probe formally launched by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week. The enquiry could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. That would lead to a trial in the Senate on whether to remove him from office. But the president's fellow Republicans control that chamber and have shown little appetite for removing him. Yovanovitch was ordered back to Washington two months before the end of her three-year tour in Kiev. The career diplomat, who had served during both Republican and Democratic administrations, had been the subject of attacks in right-leaning media and Democrats had suggested her recall was politically motivated. More subpoenas expected Over the past few days, the Democratic chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees have issued subpoenas to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and scheduled depositions with a series of other current and former officials, as well as associates of Giuliani, as they seek to unearth more evidence of potential wrongdoing by Trump. Trump asked Zelenskiy during the July call to investigate Biden and his son Hunter in coordination with US Attorney General William Barr and Giuliani. Announcements of more subpoenas and requests for depositions are expected. The impeachment investigation has cast a pall over Trump's re-election effort. On Twitter on Tuesday, Trump repeated his assertion that his call with Zelenskiy was "perfect," and attacked Pelosi and Representative Adam Schiff, the House intelligence committee chairman. "This is just another Fake News Media, together with their partner, the Democrat Party, HOAX!" the president tweeted. On Tuesday, Pompeo took to Twitter to address the investigation. He posted a letter accusing Representative Eliot Engel, the House Foreign Affairs chairman, of requesting depositions as "an attempt to intimidate, bully and treat improperly" State Department employees.

Trump impeachment probe gains steam with briefing, depositions

About 200 protesters, including secondary students in the same class as a protester <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-of-live-rounds-was-lawful-and-fair-hong-kong-police-defends-use-of-live-ammunition-253181">who was shot point-blank by police</a>, held a demonstration outside his school on Wednesday.

Protesters outside Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College chanted "Free Hong Kong", condemned the police and urged a thorough investigation into the shooting.

Anti-government protests turned violent early on Tuesday&nbsp;and continued into the night, with intense cat-and-mouse skirmishes marring celebrations in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1.

Protesters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sit-in-at-school-of-hong-kong-protester-shot-by-police-253170">have previously been hit with bean bags rounds and rubber bullets</a> and officers have fired live rounds in the air, but this was the first time a demonstrator had been shot with a live round.

Police said the officer involved was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-of-live-ammunition-disproportionate-risks-inflaming-situation-uk-on-hong-kong-police-action-253125">under serious threat</a> and acted in accordance with official guidelines. The man was conscious when taken to hospital, police added, but his condition was not immediately available on Wednesday.

About 200 protesters, including secondary students in the same class as a protester who was shot point-blank by police, held a demonstration outside his school on Wednesday.

About 200 protesters, including secondary students in the same class as a protester who was shot point-blank by police, held a demonstration outside his school on Wednesday. Protesters outside Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College chanted "Free Hong Kong", condemned the police and urged a thorough investigation into the shooting. Anti-government protests turned violent early on Tuesday and continued into the night, with intense cat-and-mouse skirmishes marring celebrations in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. Protesters have previously been hit with bean bags rounds and rubber bullets and officers have fired live rounds in the air, but this was the first time a demonstrator had been shot with a live round. Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in accordance with official guidelines. The man was conscious when taken to hospital, police added, but his condition was not immediately available on Wednesday.

Students rally after Hong Kong police shoots teenage protester in chest

Four bodies have been recovered from under a collapsed bridge in Taiwan, rescuers said Wednesday, as searchers continued for two people still missing when the structure smashed onto fishing boats moored underneath.

The National Fire Agency said two bodies were retrieved in the waters near a boat stuck underneath the shattered bridge while the others were found near a badly damaged boat that was dragged out from under the structure on Tuesday.

"The search and rescue mission continues," transport minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters, adding evidence was being collected to ascertain any culpability.

Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment the 140-metre&nbsp;long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>'s east coast early on Tuesday morning.

In the video, a vertical cable at the centre of the bridge's steel arch suddenly snaps.

The road then collapses into the water, crashing down on three fishing boats as a petrol tanker which nearly made it across also plunged into the water.

Twelve people were injured, including six Filipino and three Indonesian fishing workers, the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker, and two coastguard personnel.

The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air.

Prosecutors have launched a probe into the cause of the collapse.

The local landmark was completed in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port. It was featured in a number of TV dramas and commercials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-condemns-chinas-dictatorship-on-70th-anniversary-of-communist-rule-252977">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast.

But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine.

Taiwan has a huge fishing industry and many of those who work on its boats are low-paid migrant workers from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Previous serious bridge incidents in Taiwan have mostly been related to typhoons.

In 2009, two bridges were badly damaged by Typhoon Morakot, which left more than 400 people dead.

Four bodies have been recovered from under a collapsed bridge in Taiwan, rescuers said Wednesday, as searchers continued for two people still missing when the structure smashed onto fishing boats moored underneath.

Four bodies have been recovered from under a collapsed bridge in Taiwan, rescuers said Wednesday, as searchers continued for two people still missing when the structure smashed onto fishing boats moored underneath. The National Fire Agency said two bodies were retrieved in the waters near a boat stuck underneath the shattered bridge while the others were found near a badly damaged boat that was dragged out from under the structure on Tuesday. "The search and rescue mission continues," transport minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters, adding evidence was being collected to ascertain any culpability. Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment the 140-metre long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on Taiwan's east coast early on Tuesday morning. In the video, a vertical cable at the centre of the bridge's steel arch suddenly snaps. The road then collapses into the water, crashing down on three fishing boats as a petrol tanker which nearly made it across also plunged into the water. Twelve people were injured, including six Filipino and three Indonesian fishing workers, the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker, and two coastguard personnel. The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air. Prosecutors have launched a probe into the cause of the collapse. The local landmark was completed in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port. It was featured in a number of TV dramas and commercials. Taiwan was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast. But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine. Taiwan has a huge fishing industry and many of those who work on its boats are low-paid migrant workers from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. Previous serious bridge incidents in Taiwan have mostly been related to typhoons. In 2009, two bridges were badly damaged by Typhoon Morakot, which left more than 400 people dead.

Four bodies found, two still missing after Taiwan bridge collapse

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-to-submit-brexit-grand-bargain-but-ireland-sceptical-253001">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> will on Wednesday unveil his final Brexit offer to the European Union and make clear that if Brussels does not engage with the proposal, Britain will not negotiate further and will leave on October&nbsp;31.

In his closing speech to his governing Conservatives' annual conference, Johnson will stick to his hard line on Brexit, offering the party faithful the first details of what he will describe as his "fair and reasonable compromise".

With less than a month until Britain is due to leave the EU, the future of Brexit, the country's biggest trade and foreign policy shift in more than 40 years, is uncertain. Britain could leave with a deal, without one or no&nbsp;exit at all.

Johnson, who says Britain will leave the bloc on October&nbsp;31 no matter what will tell the conference he will send his proposal to Brussels, an attempt to secure a deal to smooth the country's departure and avoid a potentially damaging no-deal Brexit.

"My friends, I am afraid that after three-and-a-half years people are beginning to feel that they are being taken for fools. They are beginning to suspect that there are forces in this country that simply don't want Brexit delivered at all," he will say, according to extracts released by his office.

"Let's get Brexit done on October 31 so in 2020 our country can move on", he added.

More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum, Brexit talks are at an impasse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-vows-to-stay-put-to-hit-october-31-brexit-deadline-252702">Johnson has been firm that the October&nbsp;31 deadline will be met</a>, but parliament has put roadblocks in his way - passing a law that requires the prime minister to request a Brexit delay if he fails to secure an acceptable deal at an EU summit on October&nbsp;17.

The EU has repeatedly asked Britain to come up with "legal and operational" proposals for the changes Johnson wants to a deal his predecessor negotiated with the bloc last year.

'Nobody will work on a delay'

Following its rejection three times by parliament, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-juncker-says-britain-will-be-responsible-if-no-brexit-deal-252324">Johnson has demanded changes to the Withdrawal Agreement</a>, especially over new arrangements with the bloc for the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

But after weeks of talks, since Johnson took power that has made little headway to break the Brexit stand-off, the prime minister will make his last gambit - a new proposal which British officials describe as a final offer.

The Telegraph newspaper cited a briefing to European capitals that Britain was suggesting a plan that would leave Northern Ireland in a special relationship with the EU until 2025, after which Belfast would decide whether to remain aligned to the bloc or return to following British rules.

The proposal would be aimed at replacing the so-called backstop -&nbsp;an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland -- that has become the biggest hurdle to securing an agreement with Brussels.

A senior British government official said: "The government is either going to be negotiating a new deal or working on no-deal — nobody will work on delay."

"We will keep fighting to respect the biggest democratic vote in British history. The EU is obliged by EU law only to negotiate with member state governments, they cannot negotiate with parliament, and this government will not negotiate delay."

Johnson has made the gamble that by pressing a hardline position on Brexit he will steal votes from parties such as the Brexit Party led by veteran eurosceptic Nigel Farage at an election, widely expected to come before the end of the year.

He also has the main opposition Labour Party in his sights and will use his speech to attack its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who has led efforts to try to stop the prime minister taking Britain out of the EU without a deal.

"Can you imagine another three years of this? That is the Corbyn agenda – stay in the EU beyond October 31, paying $1.23 billion&nbsp;a month for the privilege, followed by years of uncertainty for business and everyone else," he will say.

"That is why we are coming out of the EU on October 31. Let's get Brexit done - we can, we must and we will", he added.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Wednesday unveil his final Brexit offer to the European Union and make clear that if Brussels does not engage with the proposal, Britain will not negotiate further and will leave on October 31.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Wednesday unveil his final Brexit offer to the European Union and make clear that if Brussels does not engage with the proposal, Britain will not negotiate further and will leave on October 31. In his closing speech to his governing Conservatives' annual conference, Johnson will stick to his hard line on Brexit, offering the party faithful the first details of what he will describe as his "fair and reasonable compromise". With less than a month until Britain is due to leave the EU, the future of Brexit, the country's biggest trade and foreign policy shift in more than 40 years, is uncertain. Britain could leave with a deal, without one or no exit at all. Johnson, who says Britain will leave the bloc on October 31 no matter what will tell the conference he will send his proposal to Brussels, an attempt to secure a deal to smooth the country's departure and avoid a potentially damaging no-deal Brexit. "My friends, I am afraid that after three-and-a-half years people are beginning to feel that they are being taken for fools. They are beginning to suspect that there are forces in this country that simply don't want Brexit delivered at all," he will say, according to extracts released by his office. "Let's get Brexit done on October 31 so in 2020 our country can move on", he added. More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum, Brexit talks are at an impasse. Johnson has been firm that the October 31 deadline will be met, but parliament has put roadblocks in his way - passing a law that requires the prime minister to request a Brexit delay if he fails to secure an acceptable deal at an EU summit on October 17. The EU has repeatedly asked Britain to come up with "legal and operational" proposals for the changes Johnson wants to a deal his predecessor negotiated with the bloc last year. 'Nobody will work on a delay' Following its rejection three times by parliament, Johnson has demanded changes to the Withdrawal Agreement, especially over new arrangements with the bloc for the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. But after weeks of talks, since Johnson took power that has made little headway to break the Brexit stand-off, the prime minister will make his last gambit - a new proposal which British officials describe as a final offer. The Telegraph newspaper cited a briefing to European capitals that Britain was suggesting a plan that would leave Northern Ireland in a special relationship with the EU until 2025, after which Belfast would decide whether to remain aligned to the bloc or return to following British rules. The proposal would be aimed at replacing the so-called backstop - an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland -- that has become the biggest hurdle to securing an agreement with Brussels. A senior British government official said: "The government is either going to be negotiating a new deal or working on no-deal — nobody will work on delay." "We will keep fighting to respect the biggest democratic vote in British history. The EU is obliged by EU law only to negotiate with member state governments, they cannot negotiate with parliament, and this government will not negotiate delay." Johnson has made the gamble that by pressing a hardline position on Brexit he will steal votes from parties such as the Brexit Party led by veteran eurosceptic Nigel Farage at an election, widely expected to come before the end of the year. He also has the main opposition Labour Party in his sights and will use his speech to attack its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who has led efforts to try to stop the prime minister taking Britain out of the EU without a deal. "Can you imagine another three years of this? That is the Corbyn agenda – stay in the EU beyond October 31, paying $1.23 billion a month for the privilege, followed by years of uncertainty for business and everyone else," he will say. "That is why we are coming out of the EU on October 31. Let's get Brexit done - we can, we must and we will", he added.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson to unveil final Brexit offer to European Union

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;&nbsp;awoke to widespread damage on Wednesday&nbsp;and calls for more&nbsp;protests&nbsp;following some of the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest, including the shooting of a teenage demonstrator by police.

Anti-government&nbsp;protests&nbsp;turned violent early on Tuesday&nbsp;and continued into the night, with intense cat-and-mouse skirmishes marring celebrations in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October&nbsp;1.

Images of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-of-live-rounds-was-lawful-and-fair-hong-kong-police-defends-use-of-live-ammunition-253181">police</a> firing tear gas and water cannon at petrol bomb-throwing protesters were beamed live to the world in areas spreading from the popular shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Admiralty area of government offices, over the harbour to Kowloon and beyond to the New Territories.

Watch Video: Hong Kong Protest&nbsp;Video shows&nbsp;Police shooting protester

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Secondary schools in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sit-in-at-school-of-hong-kong-protester-shot-by-police-253170">Hong&nbsp;Kong</a>&nbsp;were planning a mass class boycott on Wednesday&nbsp;in response to the point-blank shooting of an 18-year-old man that was captured in dramatic video footage.

Protesters have previously been hit with bean bags rounds and rubber bullets and officers have fired live rounds in the air, but this was the first time a demonstrator had been shot with a live round.

Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in accordance with official guidelines. The man was conscious when taken to hospital, police added, but his condition was not immediately available on Wednesday.

MTR Corp shut nearly 50 stations to stop protesters moving around on Tuesday, making the rail operator once again a target of vandalism. Demonstrators have stepped&nbsp;up&nbsp;attacks on the MTR, which has been blamed for closing stations at the government's behest.

By early Wednesday, all metro stations were open although some lines were running slower than normal as MTR workers tried to repair damage to ready the service for the nearly 6 million people who use it every&nbsp;day.

Many stores and businesses had closed on Tuesday&nbsp;after&nbsp;demonstrators vowed to seize the opportunity on China's&nbsp;National&nbsp;Day&nbsp;to propel their calls for greater democracy onto the international&nbsp;stage.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to President Xi Jinping since he came to power.

The demonstrations have also taken a growing toll on the city's economy as it faces its first recession in a decade and comes as the central government is already grappling with a US-China trade war and a global slowdown.

Protesters are angry about what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy.

China dismisses those claims and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Hong Kong awoke to widespread damage on Wednesday and calls for more protests following some of the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest, including the shooting of a teenage demonstrator by police.

Hong Kong awoke to widespread damage on Wednesday and calls for more protests following some of the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest, including the shooting of a teenage demonstrator by police. Anti-government protests turned violent early on Tuesday and continued into the night, with intense cat-and-mouse skirmishes marring celebrations in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. Images of police firing tear gas and water cannon at petrol bomb-throwing protesters were beamed live to the world in areas spreading from the popular shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Admiralty area of government offices, over the harbour to Kowloon and beyond to the New Territories. Watch Video: Hong Kong Protest Video shows Police shooting protester × Secondary schools in Hong Kong were planning a mass class boycott on Wednesday in response to the point-blank shooting of an 18-year-old man that was captured in dramatic video footage. Protesters have previously been hit with bean bags rounds and rubber bullets and officers have fired live rounds in the air, but this was the first time a demonstrator had been shot with a live round. Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in accordance with official guidelines. The man was conscious when taken to hospital, police added, but his condition was not immediately available on Wednesday. MTR Corp shut nearly 50 stations to stop protesters moving around on Tuesday, making the rail operator once again a target of vandalism. Demonstrators have stepped up attacks on the MTR, which has been blamed for closing stations at the government's behest. By early Wednesday, all metro stations were open although some lines were running slower than normal as MTR workers tried to repair damage to ready the service for the nearly 6 million people who use it every day. Many stores and businesses had closed on Tuesday after demonstrators vowed to seize the opportunity on China's National Day to propel their calls for greater democracy onto the international stage. The protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to President Xi Jinping since he came to power. The demonstrations have also taken a growing toll on the city's economy as it faces its first recession in a decade and comes as the central government is already grappling with a US-China trade war and a global slowdown. Protesters are angry about what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy. China dismisses those claims and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Hong Kong mops up, braces for fresh protests after National Day violence

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-meet-centrist-rival-in-last-ditch-bid-to-form-unity-government-252696">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> faces a key day Wednesday in his attempt to remain premier, with both a planned corruption hearing and his unity government talks nearing a dead end.

The hearing comes as deadlocked results from a September 17 general election leave Netanyahu plotting how to survive politically and continue his reign as Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

To do so, he will have to navigate the twin challenges of a potential corruption indictment against him in the weeks ahead and election results that give neither him nor his challenger Benny Gantz a clear path to a majority coalition.

Both will collide Wednesday when Israel's attorney general convenes a pre-indictment hearing for Netanyahu after having said he intends to charge him with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Only Netanyahu's lawyers and not the premier himself are expected to attend the closed-door hearing, which gives him a final chance to convince Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit he should not be indicted.

The hearing is to last four days, covering three separate cases in which Netanyahu is accused of acting on behalf of wealthy supporters and businessmen in exchange for gifts or favourable news coverage.

Netanyahu, who denies all the allegations, asked that the hearing be broadcast live because he has "nothing to hide."

Mandelblit dismissed the request in no uncertain terms, saying the hearing was intended to convince the legal authorities, not the public.

Following the hearing, the attorney general's deliberations on whether to issue the indictments are expected to continue for weeks.

'Last effort'

While the hearing is underway, Netanyahu may be preparing to inform President Reuven Rivlin he is unable to form a government after being tasked with doing so a week ago.

Negotiators for Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had intended to meet with Gantz's centrist Blue and White on Wednesday as part of so far unsuccessful efforts to hammer out a unity government.

Netanyahu had also sought to meet Gantz later on Wednesday.

But Blue and White announced late Tuesday that there was no reason for either meeting now since "pre-conditions" is sought for further talks were not met.

Both sides held out hope for a change of heart by their opponents, but Netanyahu had already labelled Wednesday's talks a "last effort".

Should he follow through with the negotiating tactic and tell Rivlin he cannot form a government, the president must then decide whether to ask Gantz to try.

Alternatively, Rivlin could call on parliament to agree on a candidate for prime minister with a vote of at least 61 of 120 members.

Netanyahu and Gantz have traded blame over failed efforts so far to reach a deal.

They are divided on a range of issues, but one major point: who would be prime minister first in a unity government.

Gantz argues that since his party finished as the largest, with one seat more than the Likud, he should be prime minister first under any rotation arrangement.

He also says Blue and White cannot be part of a government with a prime minister facing indictment.

Netanyahu says even though Likud has fewer seats, more of the smaller parties in parliament back him.

He wants to negotiate based on a compromise Rivlin proposed, which could see him remain prime minister for now but step aside if indicted while retaining the title.

Gantz would step in as acting prime minister in the interim.

'Game of chicken'

Both are engaged in a game of "chicken" and the result could be yet another election, a third in the space of a year after April polls also ended inconclusively, said Gideon Rahat of Jerusalem's Hebrew University and the Israel Democracy Institute think tank.

In that case, much will depend on who the public blames for causing a third vote, he said.

"It's all about threats," said Rahat.

"In the game of chicken, sometimes the result is that both drivers are killed. And that would be like chicken: We'll have third elections because nobody will move."

However, it could also buy Netanyahu time as he awaits the attorney general's decision, and while it seems a long shot, holding a third election as soon as possible may allow it to occur before indictments are issued.

Both Gantz and Netanyahu have already begun seeking to lay blame in case another election is called as it is likely to spur public anger.

Rahat said he believed a unity government would have already been formed if Netanyahu were not at the helm, but Likud members have so far shown no sign of an insurrection against him.

Though weakened, Netanyahu may still emerge victorious, at least temporarily, said Rahat.

"Yes, he can," said Rahat, when asked if Netanyahu could, in the end, remain prime minister despite the multiple challenges.

But "he lost some of his magic".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a key day Wednesday in his attempt to remain premier, with both a planned corruption hearing and his unity government talks nearing a dead end.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a key day Wednesday in his attempt to remain premier, with both a planned corruption hearing and his unity government talks nearing a dead end. The hearing comes as deadlocked results from a September 17 general election leave Netanyahu plotting how to survive politically and continue his reign as Israel's longest-serving prime minister. To do so, he will have to navigate the twin challenges of a potential corruption indictment against him in the weeks ahead and election results that give neither him nor his challenger Benny Gantz a clear path to a majority coalition. Both will collide Wednesday when Israel's attorney general convenes a pre-indictment hearing for Netanyahu after having said he intends to charge him with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Only Netanyahu's lawyers and not the premier himself are expected to attend the closed-door hearing, which gives him a final chance to convince Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit he should not be indicted. The hearing is to last four days, covering three separate cases in which Netanyahu is accused of acting on behalf of wealthy supporters and businessmen in exchange for gifts or favourable news coverage. Netanyahu, who denies all the allegations, asked that the hearing be broadcast live because he has "nothing to hide." Mandelblit dismissed the request in no uncertain terms, saying the hearing was intended to convince the legal authorities, not the public. Following the hearing, the attorney general's deliberations on whether to issue the indictments are expected to continue for weeks. 'Last effort' While the hearing is underway, Netanyahu may be preparing to inform President Reuven Rivlin he is unable to form a government after being tasked with doing so a week ago. Negotiators for Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had intended to meet with Gantz's centrist Blue and White on Wednesday as part of so far unsuccessful efforts to hammer out a unity government. Netanyahu had also sought to meet Gantz later on Wednesday. But Blue and White announced late Tuesday that there was no reason for either meeting now since "pre-conditions" is sought for further talks were not met. Both sides held out hope for a change of heart by their opponents, but Netanyahu had already labelled Wednesday's talks a "last effort". Should he follow through with the negotiating tactic and tell Rivlin he cannot form a government, the president must then decide whether to ask Gantz to try. Alternatively, Rivlin could call on parliament to agree on a candidate for prime minister with a vote of at least 61 of 120 members. Netanyahu and Gantz have traded blame over failed efforts so far to reach a deal. They are divided on a range of issues, but one major point: who would be prime minister first in a unity government. Gantz argues that since his party finished as the largest, with one seat more than the Likud, he should be prime minister first under any rotation arrangement. He also says Blue and White cannot be part of a government with a prime minister facing indictment. Netanyahu says even though Likud has fewer seats, more of the smaller parties in parliament back him. He wants to negotiate based on a compromise Rivlin proposed, which could see him remain prime minister for now but step aside if indicted while retaining the title. Gantz would step in as acting prime minister in the interim. 'Game of chicken' Both are engaged in a game of "chicken" and the result could be yet another election, a third in the space of a year after April polls also ended inconclusively, said Gideon Rahat of Jerusalem's Hebrew University and the Israel Democracy Institute think tank. In that case, much will depend on who the public blames for causing a third vote, he said. "It's all about threats," said Rahat. "In the game of chicken, sometimes the result is that both drivers are killed. And that would be like chicken: We'll have third elections because nobody will move." However, it could also buy Netanyahu time as he awaits the attorney general's decision, and while it seems a long shot, holding a third election as soon as possible may allow it to occur before indictments are issued. Both Gantz and Netanyahu have already begun seeking to lay blame in case another election is called as it is likely to spur public anger. Rahat said he believed a unity government would have already been formed if Netanyahu were not at the helm, but Likud members have so far shown no sign of an insurrection against him. Though weakened, Netanyahu may still emerge victorious, at least temporarily, said Rahat. "Yes, he can," said Rahat, when asked if Netanyahu could, in the end, remain prime minister despite the multiple challenges. But "he lost some of his magic".

Netanyahu faces key day in bid to remain Israel Prime Minister

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