Gadi Eisenkot welcomed the merger but did not say whether he would join Bennett and Lapid.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid MK have announced the merger of their political parties ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, which should be held before the end of October 2026. Bennett will head the united party. A special press conference at 8 pm today will formally announce the merger.
“Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid will announce the first step in the process of reforming the State of Israel: the merger of the Yesh Atid party and the Bennett 2026 party into a unified party headed by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett,” Bennett said.
“This step unifies the Reform faction, ends internal battles, and allows it to invest all its efforts in a decisive victory in the upcoming elections and lead Israel toward necessary reforms,” the statement said.
Gadi Eisenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Yashar Party, spoke to Bennett about half an hour earlier and congratulated him on the move but avoided answering the question of whether he would agree to unification within his party. Eisenkot said, “The goal of winning the important election before us is a shared goal.
I see Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid as partners, and I will continue to do the right thing responsibly and intelligently to achieve the victory and change needed for the State of Israel. Fixing Israel is my life’s mission, and I am determined to accomplish it.”
Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Credit: Haim Zach, GPO
Warning: disturbing content. Bereaved mum Wendy Duffy, who ended her life in an assisted dying clinic today, has spoken about being ‘super-organised’ ahead of her one-way journey, revealing her poignant final requests
Wendy Duffy planned her assisted dying process down to the most poignant detail (Image: Facebook)
A British mother, despite being non-terminal, ended her life today in a clinic in Switzerland and had previously revealed her tragic final wishes.
Wendy Duffy, 56, was devastated by the death of her son, Marcus, four years ago, and although she has undergone therapy and a course of antidepressants, sadly it has done nothing to ease her grief. Unable to come to terms with her loss, the West Midlands woman paid £10,000 to end her life at the Pegasos clinic, saying she would rather not live “in this world” without her only child.
Marcus was just 23 years old when he fell asleep on the couch while eating a sandwich due to a hangover after a night out. A cherry tomato became lodged in his trachea, with fatal results. Medically trained first aid personnel attempted CPR, but to no avail. The devoted mother sat by Marcus’s side for five days before his life support was turned off.
Driven by despair, Wendy attempted suicide nine months after her son’s death. Then, in early 2025, they sought a formal application from Pegasos, an assisted dying clinic that, unlike other facilities like Dignitas, only accepts psychiatric cases where there is no physical illness.
Applicants must meet strict criteria before being accepted, indicating that their condition is severe, long-lasting, and resistant to treatment. Wendy passed her final assessment earlier this year and is due to die today (April 24). Before embarking on their one-way journey, Wendy made her heartbreaking final wishes clear, arranging every last detail.
West Midlands mother left heartbroken after death of her son, Marcus
In conversation with Mail Online, Wendy shared in the days before her death that she had already written goodbye letters to her loved ones and had chosen the music she wanted played during her passing: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars singing the poignantly titled “Die with a Smile.”
Wendy knew exactly what dress she wanted to die in—a T-shirt that belonged to Marcus and read, “Still smell like that.” She told the publication: ‘I don’t care about anything anymore. I exist. I don’t live. When Marcus died, I died inside too. On my deathbed I will wear his T-shirt, which still smells of him.”
As Mail reporter Jenny Johnson noted, Wendy appeared excited about the trip, looking almost like “a woman going to Barbados on holiday.” The bereaved mother shared, “Oh, I’m super organised. I’ve watched the videos, and it’s absolutely lovely out there. You see the trees and nature, and it’s so peaceful. I only asked that the big windows be open so my spirit could be free. I asked them to give the things I brought, including my suitcase, to an animal charity so that other people can benefit. I hate waste; you look.”
She requested that the clinic’s windows be left open so that her ‘soul could be free’ (Image: Pegasos)
There was no option to donate her organs, which Wendy considered “the only drawback” of the process. Following the cremation in Switzerland, Wendy’s ashes will be brought back to family members in the UK and scattered on “her” bench along with Marcus’s ashes. There will be no funeral, with Wendy claiming she “hated” it anyway.
While Wendy’s six siblings – four sisters and two brothers – knew about her application, they were not informed about the timelines of the ‘process’. Its purpose is to protect them. If anyone had helped Wendy in any way, even by giving her a lift to the airport, they could have faced a police investigation and even prosecution.
Although Wendy acknowledged that her decision would be difficult for her surviving family members, she has no regrets. She said, ‘I won’t change my mind,’ she says. ‘I know it’s difficult for you, sweetheart. It must be challenging for everyone. But I want to die, and that’s what I’m going to do. And I’ll have a smile on my face when I do, so please be happy for me. My life; my choice..’
In England and Wales, the Assisted Dying Bill does not allow cases like Wendy’s, as it was intended to be used only by people of sound mind who are terminally ill, with a life expectancy of up to six months.
This afternoon, the bill expired in the House of Lords, meaning it will not become law.
Meanwhile, the most famous Swiss clinic Dignitas may have rejected Wendy’s application. Wendy had to gain approval from an expert panel, including psychiatrists, before Pegasos accepted her. Her application was finally accepted after a month-long evaluation process, during which experts would have full access to her medical records.
This weekend, Rochdale and York City are gearing up for a significant National League title clash, with the victor assured of a return to the EFL.
Jim McNulty’s Rochdale are just one win away from claiming the National League title and a return to the EFL.
Rochdale and York City have released a statement ahead of their National League title showdown, calling for the three teams to win promotion to the English Football League. Both clubs have collected more than 100 points, but one could potentially miss out on a return to League Two.
With only one automatic promotion spot available from the top flight of the non-league, both clubs are advocating for significant changes. York are currently top of the table, having collected an incredible 107 points from their 45 games this season, while Rochdale are just two points behind on 105.
The winner, if there is one, guarantees promotion to the EFL, while a draw ensures York becomes the National League champion. Both teams have not been the top two teams in the division, with the title race reaching its climax.
After this weekend’s clash, the second-placed side will have to go through the play-offs, needing two more wins to seal promotion. Both clubs have expressed their support for the 3UP campaign, a National League initiative which aims to see three teams promoted to League Two while three teams are relegated.
York missed out on promotion to the EFL last season, finishing second with 96 points, six behind league winners Barnet. However, Munstermen were beaten by Oldham Athletic in the play-off semi-finals and co-owner Julie Ann O’Gla wrote a letter demanding a serious change to the promotion image.
It was a move that was condemned by some supporters, with the York City co-owner accused of sour grapes when he was comfortably beaten by Latics. However, their stance has not changed and both clubs released a joint statement earlier this weekend.
Rochdale are set for a National League title showdown with York this weekend.
The joint statement read: “This weekend’s game brings to an end one of the most thrilling, exciting and unpredictable title races in football history. Both we and York City have the opportunity to make our own name in National League history.
“The National League is no longer a non-league competition. It is effectively a League 3, with fully professional clubs operating at a level equal to or higher than many in League 2.
“We both understand how important this game is to both clubs and supporters. We both pledge now that whatever happens tomorrow, we will both keep fighting for 3UP.
“Both clubs are sitting on more than 100 points. One of us will have to fight again in the National League play-offs. However, we both strongly believe that should not happen.
“We call on the National League, the football regulator, the EFL and the Premier League to come together urgently and resolve this issue so that we do not have to highlight this injustice year after year.
“To both sets of supporters in attendance at the Crown Isle Arena this weekend, we say thank you for sticking with us all season. Your passion for both clubs has resonated globally.
The 26-year-old, who scored a hat-trick in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Burnley, struggled in the first half as the Europa League semi-finalists moved eight points clear of 18th-placed Tottenham, with just five games remaining.
With the help of a dismal defensive performance from Regis Le Bris’ men, Forest had secured the game before the half-time break, until Try Hume’s unfortunate own goal triggered a flurry of goals from Chris Wood, Gibbs White, and Igor Jesus within six minutes. death
Forest was in fine scoring form. (P.A)
In the process, they extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games and inflicted the Black Cats’ heaviest defeat since their return to the top flight as they lost four matches in a row, making a rare, if mercifully brief, noise during the break.
The visitors started brightly, and Anderson saw his early strike blocked by Omar Alderete after Noah Sadiki carelessly laid the ball straight to Omri Hutchinson. However, Chris Rigg missed a great chance to fire Le Bris ahead when he shot past Metz Sels, the keeper for Enzo Le F.
Sunderland keeper Robin Rufus had to dive to his right to palm away Hutchinson’s 13th-minute effort after Aldreit gifted possession to Jesus.
But Forest went ahead in somewhat unpleasant circumstances after 17 minutes.
Hutchinson worked on a short corner with Anderson and crossed for Jesus to head the ball in off the back of Hume’s head, and Rufus could only look on in horror as he slotted past him at his near post.
The visitors extended their lead 14 minutes before the break when Rufus’ attempted clearance was half-stopped by Wood, who was on hand to flick the ball into the unguarded net when Gibbs-White played it back.
Forest was 4-0 up within 40 minutes. (P.A)
Three minutes later, Forest was in dreamland as Williams and Anderson executed another short corner, allowing Jesus to pass to Gibbs-White, who fired a first-time shot past the helpless Rufus.
It was 4-0 with 37 minutes gone when, after clearing Hutchinson’s cross and parrying Ola Aina’s early effort, Jesus smashed home the rebound to leave the hosts with a mountain to climb.
Lee Bris sent on Renaldo for a ruck at the break and switched to a back three, and they thought they had reduced the deficit when Ballard headed home from close range with 61 minutes gone, only for referee Darren England to be sent to the monitor and ultimately disallow the goal for a foul on Nordy Mukele on Seles.
It took three minutes for a one-handed move from Sales to deny Le Fes a consolation goal, and it was Rufus who once again poked the ball out of his net in stoppage time after Andersen got in the right way to finish the job.
A California winery co-owned by Rep. Ilhan Omar’s husband Tim Mynett has closed amid an ongoing Republican investigation into the couple’s financial disclosures and business interests.
The winery, eStCru LLC, ceased operations on April 4, 2026, according to California business records.
The closure comes nearly two months after House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer sent a letter requesting financial documents related to Mynet’s business holdings.
The congressional investigation focused on significant changes in the reported value of businesses linked to MyNet. In a 2024 financial disclosure,
Omar said his household wealth was between $6 million and $30 million, linked to Mynet’s ownership stake in a California winery and a venture capital firm. MPs have said that business values have changed a lot in a short period of time.
In a letter, the House Oversight Committee said the reported value of the business rose from about $51,000 in 2023 to $30 million in 2024.
Because of this change, the committee asked for the records.The committee seeks to understand the methodology behind the numbers.. He also asked whether the increase was due to new investors or other financial reasons. After criticism, Omar presented an updated financial report. This new filing reduced the reported value of her and her husband’s assets.
The amended report states that his net worth was less than $100,000. It explained the discrepancy by incorporating changes made to the way debts and earlier numbers were calculated. Omar’s office said the earlier higher figures came from accounting mistakes.
He said that this was not done intentionally and its purpose was not to mislead anyone. The winery’s closure has sparked political debate in Washington.
House Republicans argue that the rapid increase in reported business values and the subsequent recovery raise questions that require more monitoring.
Omar and her representatives have rejected allegations of wrongdoing and described the investigation as politically motivated. No criminal charges have been filed against Omar or Mynett.
The House Oversight Committee continues to seek additional documents while a review of the couple’s financial disclosures continues.
So far, public records confirm the winery’s closure and an ongoing congressional investigation, but independent verification of misconduct or unexplained wealth has not been established by court findings or federal charges.
Kai Rooney, the son of the iconic Manchester United legend, is battling to recover from recent injury problems.
Kai Rooney was impressed by the end-of-season news. (Photo: Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney’s teenage son Kai has revealed he is running again, as he battles his injury problems. In January, the youngster made his first appearance at Old Trafford.
He came on as a substitute in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup for the Reds under U18s manager and former old teammate Darren Fletcher. Rooney has played well under the former Reds midfielder, contributing two goals and one assist in just 119 minutes of football.
However, a nasty injury in March ended his season, keeping him safe ever since. A month after announcing his retirement from performing to his social media followers, Ronnie provided another update.
He uploaded a picture of himself wearing some United tracksuit bottoms and football boots. In a caption on his Instagram story, Rooney also wrote: “Running back.”
This is far more positive than the post where he confirmed he will not feature for the Reds’ youth side again this season. He wrote: “Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. He expressed his determination to return strong during the upcoming pre-season.
This isn’t the first time Rooney has been sidelined by a nasty injury. In September 2025, he was called up to the under-19 squad after scoring a superb volley for the under-18 squad, despite having spent several years playing with his senior youth team.
However, he then picked up a foot injury, which he confirmed by uploading a photo of himself wearing a protective boot on his right foot. In his caption, he wrote, “Life can’t be bad” with a crying emoji, which drew a lot of sympathy from the football world.
It was unfortunate for him, as he had garnered significant attention while playing for the Reds’ youth team in the Super Cup in Northern Ireland last summer. It would have been emotional for the Rooney family, as his famous father also starred in the same tournament when he was a kid in the Everton ranks.
In a previous interview with BBC Sport, Rooney Sr has made it clear that there is no pressure on his son. He said, “I just let him play. I think he started the game well; they won 3-0, he scored a penalty and got an assist. So I think he started well. He just plays and that’s what he’s done during his game.
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“I think it’s very unfair to expect anyone to go and do everything. He’s just playing; he’s a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it. Of course, he gets different attention from a lot of his teammates, but I think he handles it well.
“He’s got great coaches at Manchester United, so I take that away from him. I talk to him, but for me it’s all about his mindset and his mentality, making sure he continues to enjoy it – that’s the main thing for me.”
A man has admitted racially aggravated assault after abusing an Orthodox Jewish man and accusing him of “killing babies. ”.
Shafiq Rahman, 48, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court on Friday to racially aggravated common assault, inciting fear or violence by means of words and criminal damage.
The victim was working in Elliman Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, on April 20 when Rahman passed by on a bicycle and began shouting at him. The court showed a video of the attack, in which Rahman called the victim a “dirty Jew,” accused him of “killing children in Palestine,” and threatened to “break his jaw.”
District Judge Devinder Sandhu described the attack as a “pure hate crime.”.
He added, “I am shocked and appalled by what I saw in that footage, a completely unprovoked attack on a man who was simply doing his job.”
Rahman appeared in the dock wearing a grey prison jumper and was asked to confirm his name, address, and date of birth and admit the charges.
Anoushka A., prosecuting, said, “The victim was in the area for some work due to his business commitments; the defendant was on his bicycle. He shouted, ‘Jew, what are you doing here, Jew?'”
He added, “I believe the victim was wearing a kippah, and I believe that’s why he was targeted for this attack.”
The victim, Moshe, was not in court, but his police statement was read.
It read: “This incident has changed my perspective on being openly Jewish in public.”
He said that although he had “read about attacks in the news”, he had never experienced anything like it before and that he felt “physically targeted because of my religion”.
Judge Sandhu released Rahman on bail pending, among other matters, sentencing at Reading Crown Court on 10 July.
Rabbi Hershel Gluck, chairman of the volunteer-run neighbourhood watch group Shomrim North and East London, told the Press Association that the victim was “deeply shocked and amazed that someone could behave like this”: “He is recovering, but certainly it is a shock to the system.”
Rabbi Gluck said incidents like these should n’t happen and the government needs to do more to stop them.
He said, “First, they need to talk to us to understand what’s going on and then deal with it as a British matter.”
“They need to look at this matter from the perspective that British citizens are being attacked and being subjected to racial abuse, and what can they, the government, do to change the direction of travel?”
Rabbi Gluck continued: “An incident like this is similar to many incidents.
“I think every decent human being would be shocked by this incident.
“The vast majority of people in the UK, from all backgrounds, are decent human beings.
“Such incidents shouldn’t happen anywhere or to anyone.”
A spokesperson for the Jewish charity Community Security Trust said, “This was a shameful, horrific incident, and we are grateful to Thames Valley Police and the CPS for their prompt action in ensuring an arrest and conviction.
“No one should be targeted because of who they are, and anti-Semitic hate crimes like these continue to create fear and anxiety for Jewish people across the country.
“We will continue to collaborate with the police, government, and local communities to combat anti-Semitism wherever it appears.”
Detective Inspector Terry Dixon, investigating officer from the Berkshire East Priority Crime Team, said, “I hope Rahman’s sentencing today shows our communities how seriously we take incidents of this nature and how we will do everything in our power to bring those who commit hate crimes to justice as quickly as possible.
“Anti-Semitic incidents, or indeed any hate-related incidents reported in the Thames Valley, will not be tolerated by the police, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible face consequences.”
