Lawmakers on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Tuesday grilled the leaders of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology about their responses to protests that erupted after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

Harvard, Penn, MIT heads face Congress over campus Antisemitism

Responding to a report by US researchers, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) refuted claims of unusual trading activities before&nbsp;the October 7 Hamas attack, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The study, conducted by law professors Robert Jackson Jr. from New York University and Joshua Mitts of Columbia University, alleged that certain investors in Israel may have profited from prior knowledge of the attack, citing significant short-selling of shares leading up to the event.&nbsp;

TASE, in a statement on Tuesday, dismissed the report as inaccurate and irresponsible, asserting that the researchers miscalculated the potential short-sale profits due to a misunderstanding of the currency in which share prices are listed. &nbsp;

Reuters cited, Yaniv Pagot, the head of trading at TASE, who emphasised that there was nothing unusual in short positions in the stock exchange in the two months before the attack. He noted an increase in short interest in Leumi, Israel's largest bank, in the week ending September 21, but stated that the position remained stable thereafter.&nbsp;

Pagot remarked, "I don't see in the data something even close to what they wrote in the paper." He also highlighted that the researchers did not consult with TASE or its members before publishing their findings. &nbsp;

He further downplayed concerns about the ETF and short-dated options activity identified by the researchers, expressing confusion about the theory behind it.&nbsp;

The Israel Securities Authority (ISA) also weighed in, stating that no significant trading abnormalities necessitating further investigation were detected in the days preceding the Hamas terrorist attack. The ISA's examinations found a decline in average short balances for shares traded on TASE during the period leading up to October 7th. &nbsp;

The regulator disputed the researchers' calculations, estimating the value of theoretical returns of the short balance in Bank Leumi shares to be in the tens of millions of shekels, rather than the alleged three billion shekels.&nbsp;

Joshua Mitts, one of the researchers, acknowledged via email that the 67-page report had been corrected to address currency issues. However, he maintained that the correction did not impact the "highly unusual" exchange-traded fund (ETF) and short-dated options activity identified in their study. The report highlighted a sudden and significant spike in short interest in the MSCI Israel ETF on October 2, based on data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).&nbsp;

Despite the TASE's denial, media speculation has suggested the involvement of a terror organisation in the short-selling. Pagot, however, dismissed this notion, stating that the short position in Leumi was taken by an unidentified Israeli bank known to the TASE. He emphasised the strict compliance standards of the involved bank, making it unlikely for such a position to pass through without scrutiny.&nbsp;

Israel's securities regulator confirmed its awareness of the report for a week and stated it is in contact with the researchers. However, the regulator declined to comment further while it investigates the TASE's rebuttal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Responding to a report by US researchers, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) refuted claims of unusual trading activities before the October 7 Hamas attack, Reuters reported.

Responding to a report by US researchers, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) refuted claims of unusual trading activities before the October 7 Hamas attack, Reuters reported. The study, conducted by law professors Robert Jackson Jr. from New York University and Joshua Mitts of Columbia University, alleged that certain investors in Israel may have profited from prior knowledge of the attack, citing significant short-selling of shares leading up to the event. TASE, in a statement on Tuesday, dismissed the report as inaccurate and irresponsible, asserting that the researchers miscalculated the potential short-sale profits due to a misunderstanding of the currency in which share prices are listed. Reuters cited, Yaniv Pagot, the head of trading at TASE, who emphasised that there was nothing unusual in short positions in the stock exchange in the two months before the attack. He noted an increase in short interest in Leumi, Israel's largest bank, in the week ending September 21, but stated that the position remained stable thereafter. Pagot remarked, "I don't see in the data something even close to what they wrote in the paper." He also highlighted that the researchers did not consult with TASE or its members before publishing their findings. He further downplayed concerns about the ETF and short-dated options activity identified by the researchers, expressing confusion about the theory behind it. The Israel Securities Authority (ISA) also weighed in, stating that no significant trading abnormalities necessitating further investigation were detected in the days preceding the Hamas terrorist attack. The ISA's examinations found a decline in average short balances for shares traded on TASE during the period leading up to October 7th. The regulator disputed the researchers' calculations, estimating the value of theoretical returns of the short balance in Bank Leumi shares to be in the tens of millions of shekels, rather than the alleged three billion shekels. Joshua Mitts, one of the researchers, acknowledged via email that the 67-page report had been corrected to address currency issues. However, he maintained that the correction did not impact the "highly unusual" exchange-traded fund (ETF) and short-dated options activity identified in their study. The report highlighted a sudden and significant spike in short interest in the MSCI Israel ETF on October 2, based on data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Despite the TASE's denial, media speculation has suggested the involvement of a terror organisation in the short-selling. Pagot, however, dismissed this notion, stating that the short position in Leumi was taken by an unidentified Israeli bank known to the TASE. He emphasised the strict compliance standards of the involved bank, making it unlikely for such a position to pass through without scrutiny. Israel's securities regulator confirmed its awareness of the report for a week and stated it is in contact with the researchers. However, the regulator declined to comment further while it investigates the TASE's rebuttal. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tel Aviv stock exchange denies allegations of insider trading ahead of Hamas Attack 

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that Israel will demilitarise Gaza when the war is over without any foreign intervention. He has also vowed to end Hamas. But how long will that take? Is Netanyahu trying to prolong the war just to stay in power?

Gravitas: Does Netanyahu want a 10-year war?

A Health Ministry representative tells the Knesset Health Committee that the hostages freed from Hamas captivity were given tranquilizer pills before being handed over to the Red Cross for transfer to Israel. The drugging would have aimed to make the hostages appear calm, happy, and upbeat after suffering physical abuse, deprivation, and psychological terror for more than 50 days in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas drugged hostages before release: Israeli official

The Tel Aviv stock exchange has hit back at researchers who claimed insider trading before the October 7 attack by the Hamas. The stock exchange has called the research inaccurate and its publication irresponsible.

Israel Stock Exchange: Research inaccurate & its publication irresponsible | World Business Watch

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Gaza for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. Reports state that Israeli soldiers were informed by Prime Minister Netanyahu during the visit that Israel would not give up until it prevails.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel must allow aid into Gaza: US | Residents running out of safe places to go

A Health Ministry representative tells the Knesset Health Committee that the hostages freed from Hamas captivity were given tranquilizer pills before being handed over to the Red Cross for transfer to Israel. The drugging would have aimed to make the hostages appear calm, happy and upbeat after suffering physical abuse, deprivation and psychological terror for more than 50 days in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas hostage swap: Israel alleges Hamas drugged hostages before release

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas still holding 138 hostages, crises continues in Israel

The Delhi Police are on alert after the US-based Khalistani supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video message threatening to "shake the very foundation of Parliament" on December 13 -- the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament.

'Will attack Indian Parliament: Pannun threatens New Delhi

The humanitarian crisis is unfolding in south gaza. Living between life and death, displaced gazans say they have nowhere to go. Spokesperson for gaza's health ministry says hospitals in southern gaza have totally collapsed. While the w.H.O. Warns that the situation is getting worse by the hour. What is gazans fate? Will they find refuge?

Israel-Hamas war: Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu claims soldiers expanding ground operations

Israel-Hamas war: Over 16,200 killed in Gaza; situation getting worse in Gaza: W.H.O

Israeli soldiers uncovered a tunnel shaft in a school courtyard in the northern Gaza area of Beit Lahiya, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Saturday.

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza tunnels are a key objective to wipe out Hamas: IDF

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas drugged hostages, mistreated them: Israeli official

With some of the worst fighting of the conflict, the Israeli army has increased its attacks in southern and central Gaza, bombing homes that house Palestinian refugees, hitting refugee camps, and leaving thousands of people already on the move for weeks without a safe place to go.

Israel-Hamas war: Intense Israeli bombardment rocks displaced Gaza residents

Israel-Hamas war: 45 killed in Israeli attacks in gaza

Israel-Hamas war: Intense bombardment across Gaza since truce ended

Israel-Hamas war: 45 killed in Israeli attacks in Central Gaza's Deir Al Balah: Hamas

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden on Tuesday castigated human rights groups, women’s organizations, and the United Nations for failing to speak out about the rapes and other atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli women.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu slams global silence on Hamas sexual violence against Israeli women

Hate speech targeting Jews is rising in the West. In the latest, the White House condemned a group of protesters who massed enchanted in front of Israeli Falafel shop in Philadelphia.

US President Joe Biden slams Philadelphia's anti-semitic rally at Falafel shop owned by Israeli chef

Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck three commercial ships on Sunday in the Red Sea. The U.S. warship in the area shot down three drones in self-defence during the hourslong assault. The Iranian-backed Houthis have attacked ships in this vital shipping area. Still, the latest incident marks an escalation in a series of maritime attacks linked to the Israel-Hamas war. Many are concerned that it may lead to a wider regional conflict as multiple ships find themselves in the crosshairs.

Gravitas: Iran's Proxy Step Up Red Sea Attacks | Yemen's Houthis Target US Navy Warship

Law professors from prestigious US universities have uncovered a surge in short-selling activity just days before a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th. Their research points to a notable increase in short interest in the MSCI Israel Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), with a sudden spike observed on October 2nd, as per data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Israeli authorities probe allegations of insider trading before attack | World Business Watch

Israel held an event at the United Nations in New York which focused on sexual violence against women during the October 7th attack by Hamas militants.

Accounts of Hamas militants raping women; Israel-led UN session condemns world silence

Accounts of Hamas militants raping women; Israel-led UN session condemns world silence | WION

Despite war, young malawians are turning to israel for work amid economic crisis at home. Young adults in africa are applying for jobs on israeli farms, many of which desperately need workers following the october 7th hamas attack. However five years ago, it was a different story, many african migrants were being chased out of the nation by force. Most of them seem to have forgotten the past and are willing to stay the course.

Israel-Hamas War: African youth unfazed by the war, seeks opportunities in Israel

The humanitarian crisis is unfolding in south gaza. Living between life and death, displaced gazans say they have nowhere to go. Spokesperson for Gaza's health ministry says hospitals in southern Gaza have totally collapsed. While the W.H.O. Warns that the situation is getting worse by the hour. What is Gazans fate? Will they find refuge?

W.H.O: Gaza reaching humanity's darkest hour

Israel-Hamas war: Safe Zone in Gaza impossible, says UN

The civilian death toll in Gaza is nearing 16,000 mark. As truce ended between Israel and Hamas, airstrikes restarted in Gaza. Isarel ordered a million Gazans to flee, parts of Gaza reduced to rubble.

Israel tanks enter Southern Gaza near the territory's second-largest city of Khan Younis | World DNA

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli troops and tanks enter south Gaza city after strikes in North

US President Joe Biden slams Philadelphia's anti-Semitic rally

Billie Eilish, renowned for her candidness, didn't know that her latest interview would be considered as her coming-out moment. The 21-year-old was surprised to know that people didn't already suspect her queer identity and her attraction towards women.

Billie Eilish says wasn't it obvious she likes women; confirms queer identity

israel

Israel, News on Israel, stories on Israel, articles on Israel, Israel stories at Wion, Israel news, Israel latest news