Day: May 18, 2026

Major cities in Europe and North America often served as the primary reference points for urban planning, infrastructure systems and economic modernization. Today, however, the center of urban transformation is increasingly shifting toward the Global South.
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Cities across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and parts of the South Caucasus are now experiencing some of the fastest urban growth in the world. These regions are becoming laboratories for new approaches to housing, infrastructure, sustainability, digital governance and climate adaptation.
At the same time, developing countries face some of the most serious urban challenges globally, including rapid population growth, housing shortages, infrastructure deficits, climate vulnerability and social inequality. The solutions emerging from these regions are therefore attracting growing international attention.
This shift has become one of the defining conversations at World Urban Forum 13, where governments and urban experts are discussing how the Global South is increasingly shaping the future direction of urban development itself.
The broader debate reflects a major geopolitical and economic transformation: the cities driving global urban growth in the 21st century are increasingly located outside the traditional Western world.
What does “Global South” actually mean?
The term “Global South” generally refers to developing and emerging economies across:

Asia
Africa
Latin America
The Middle East
Parts of Oceania
Some post Soviet and transitional economies

The concept is not purely geographical. Instead, it reflects economic development patterns, historical inequalities and differing positions within the global economy.
Many Global South countries experienced colonialism, uneven industrialization and infrastructure gaps that continue influencing urban development today.
However, the term also increasingly represents rising economic influence, demographic growth and geopolitical importance.
Urbanization trends demonstrate this transformation clearly.
Most future global urban population growth is expected to occur in cities located in the Global South.
Why is urban growth shifting toward the Global South?
Several major demographic and economic trends are driving this shift.
Populations in many developing countries remain younger and continue growing rapidly. At the same time, rural to urban migration is accelerating as people move to cities seeking:

Employment
Education
Healthcare
Better living standards
Economic opportunity

As a result, many of the world’s fastest growing cities are now located in:

South Asia
Sub Saharan Africa
Southeast Asia
The Middle East

This urban expansion is occurring at an unprecedented scale.
Some cities are absorbing millions of new residents within relatively short periods, placing enormous pressure on:

Housing
Transportation
Water systems
Electricity networks
Healthcare infrastructure
Waste management
Public services

At the same time, these rapidly developing urban centers are becoming engines of economic growth, innovation and geopolitical influence.
Why are Global South cities becoming increasingly important globally?
The economic importance of Global South cities is rising rapidly.
Many developing economies are becoming central hubs for:

Manufacturing
Logistics
Technology
Energy
Financial services
Digital innovation

Urban areas increasingly drive national economic output and regional trade connectivity.
Large infrastructure projects such as ports, railways, industrial corridors and digital networks are transforming cities into strategic international hubs.
This is particularly visible along emerging trade routes linking Asia, the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Europe.
Cities are therefore becoming major geopolitical actors themselves.
Urban development is no longer only a domestic policy issue. It increasingly influences:

Global trade
Investment flows
Regional integration
Energy security
Diplomatic influence

This explains why international urban forums are attracting growing geopolitical significance.
What urban challenges does the Global South face?
Despite rapid growth, many Global South cities face serious structural challenges.
One of the biggest issues is infrastructure pressure.
Urban expansion often occurs faster than governments can build roads, housing, water systems and public transportation networks.
As a result, many cities struggle with:

Traffic congestion
Informal settlements
Housing shortages
Pollution
Limited public services
Energy instability

Climate vulnerability is another major concern.
Many Global South cities are located in regions highly exposed to:

Extreme heat
Flooding
Water scarcity
Rising sea levels
Storms
Droughts

At the same time, financial resources for climate adaptation are often more limited than in wealthier countries.
Social inequality also remains a major urban challenge.
Rapid economic growth can create highly unequal cities where modern business districts exist alongside informal settlements lacking basic infrastructure.
Urban governance systems are therefore under significant pressure to balance growth with inclusion.
How are Global South cities responding differently?
Despite these challenges, many cities in the Global South are developing innovative urban solutions adapted to local realities.
In some cases, these cities are avoiding older development mistakes made by heavily industrialized Western urban systems.
For example, several developing cities are investing directly in:

Renewable energy
Smart infrastructure
Public transportation
Mixed use urban planning
Digital governance
Climate adaptive construction

Because some infrastructure systems are still developing, governments sometimes have greater flexibility to adopt newer technologies more quickly.
Mobile technology adoption is one example.
In several developing regions, digital payment systems, mobile public services and smart urban applications expanded rapidly without requiring older legacy infrastructure.
Urban innovation is therefore increasingly emerging from developing economies rather than only from traditional global centers.
How is climate change affecting Global South cities?
Climate change represents one of the greatest threats facing urban areas in the Global South.
Many rapidly growing cities are highly exposed to environmental risks while lacking sufficient infrastructure resilience.
Heatwaves, flooding and water shortages are already affecting millions of urban residents globally.
Informal settlements are often especially vulnerable because they may lack:

Proper drainage systems
Stable electricity
Safe construction
Reliable water access

Urban climate adaptation has therefore become an urgent priority.
Cities are increasingly investing in:

Flood protection infrastructure
Green urban spaces
Heat resistant design
Sustainable transportation
Water conservation systems
Renewable energy

However, financing remains a major challenge.
Developing countries frequently argue that wealthier nations should provide greater climate financing support because industrialized economies historically contributed more to global emissions.
Climate justice has therefore become closely linked to urban development debates.
What role does technology play in Global South urbanization?
Technology is becoming increasingly important for developing urban systems.
Smart city technologies are helping some cities improve:

Traffic management
Public transportation
Utility monitoring
Public safety
Digital governance
Environmental management

Artificial intelligence and data analytics are also supporting urban planning decisions.
Some developing cities are using digital systems to expand public services more efficiently despite limited resources.
Digital governance platforms may help reduce bureaucracy and improve access to state services.
At the same time, digital inequality remains a challenge.
Unequal internet access and technological infrastructure gaps may limit the benefits of smart city systems for poorer communities.
Cybersecurity and data governance are also emerging concerns as urban systems become increasingly digitized.
Why is affordable housing such a major issue?
Housing shortages are among the most visible urban problems across many Global South cities.
Rapid population growth and migration have increased demand for housing far faster than supply in many regions.
This contributes to the expansion of informal settlements and rising housing costs.
Governments face difficult choices:

Expanding affordable housing
Preventing uncontrolled urban sprawl
Improving infrastructure
Protecting environmental sustainability

Some cities are experimenting with:

Social housing programs
Mixed income developments
Modular housing
Transit oriented urban planning

However, financing affordable housing at large scale remains difficult in many developing economies.
Urban planners increasingly emphasize that housing policy must be integrated with transportation, employment and public services.
How are infrastructure corridors changing cities?
Major infrastructure corridors are reshaping urban development across many Global South regions.
New railways, ports, highways and logistics hubs are creating entirely new economic zones and urban centers.
Projects linked to:

Regional trade routes
Energy infrastructure
Digital connectivity
Industrial development

are transforming the geography of economic activity.
This is particularly visible in Eurasian connectivity initiatives linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the Middle East and Europe.
Cities located along these routes are gaining strategic importance as transportation and logistics hubs.
Urban development is therefore becoming increasingly connected to broader geopolitical and economic integration strategies.
Why are local identities becoming important in urban design?
One criticism of earlier globalization models was that many cities became visually similar, prioritizing generic skyscrapers and commercial districts over local identity.
Today, many Global South cities are attempting to balance modernization with cultural preservation.
Urban planners increasingly emphasize:

Historical heritage
Traditional architecture
Public culture
Local climate adaptation
Indigenous urban knowledge

This reflects a growing understanding that successful cities must remain culturally rooted rather than simply copying foreign models.
Some cities are integrating traditional architectural principles with modern sustainability technologies.
This approach is becoming increasingly important in discussions about identity, tourism and social cohesion.
How is the Global South influencing international urban policy?
Global South countries are becoming more active participants in international urban governance discussions.
Rather than simply adopting external development models, many governments now seek greater influence over:

Climate financing
Urban investment priorities
Infrastructure development
Technology access
Sustainable development frameworks

This shift reflects broader geopolitical changes in the international system.
Emerging economies increasingly view urbanization as central to national development and international competitiveness.
As a result, forums such as WUF13 are becoming platforms not only for technical urban discussions, but also for geopolitical dialogue.
Why is Baku significant in this context?
Hosting World Urban Forum 13 highlights the growing role of cities outside traditional Western urban centers in shaping global urban conversations.
Baku occupies a strategic geographic position connecting:

Europe
Central Asia
The South Caucasus
The Middle East

The city also reflects broader themes of:

Rapid urban modernization
Energy driven economic transformation
Infrastructure development
Post Soviet urban transition
Regional connectivity

For many participants, the forum demonstrates how emerging urban centers are increasingly influencing international development discussions.
Can the Global South avoid past urban mistakes?
One of the major questions facing developing cities is whether they can avoid repeating problems experienced by older industrialized urban systems.
These problems include:

Car dependent sprawl
Environmental degradation
Severe inequality
Unsustainable infrastructure
Social segregation

Some experts believe developing cities have opportunities to “leapfrog” older models by adopting:

Renewable energy
Smart technologies
Sustainable transportation
Mixed use planning
Climate resilient infrastructure

However, rapid population growth and financial constraints make implementation difficult.
The challenge is balancing speed of development with long term sustainability.
What role does youth play in urban transformation?
Global South populations are generally younger than those in many industrialized countries.
Young people therefore play a major role in shaping future urban economies, politics and culture.
Youth driven innovation is increasingly visible in:

Technology sectors
Urban entrepreneurship
Creative industries
Climate activism
Community development

At the same time, youth unemployment and housing affordability remain major concerns in many rapidly growing cities.
Urban development policies increasingly focus on creating opportunities for younger populations through:

Education
Digital infrastructure
Public transportation
Affordable housing
Startup ecosystems

The future competitiveness of many cities may depend heavily on whether they can retain and support young talent.
What could the future urban map of the world look like?
The global urban balance is likely to continue shifting toward the Global South over the coming decades.
Future economic and demographic growth may increasingly concentrate in:

African megacities
Asian industrial corridors
Middle Eastern logistics hubs
Eurasian connectivity centers

Cities in these regions may become major centers of:

Innovation
Manufacturing
Finance
Energy
Technology
Cultural influence

This transformation may also reshape global political dynamics.
Urban development is increasingly becoming tied to strategic competition, climate policy and economic influence.
Why does this transformation matter globally?
The future of urbanization will largely be determined by what happens in the Global South.
The success or failure of rapidly growing cities will affect:

Global economic growth
Climate outcomes
Migration trends
Energy demand
Political stability
Technological development

Urban challenges in developing regions are therefore not isolated regional issues.
They are central to the future of the global system itself.
The discussions taking place at World Urban Forum 13 demonstrate that the Global South is no longer simply adapting to global urban trends created elsewhere.
Increasingly, it is becoming the place where the future of urban civilization itself is being shaped.

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As cities expanded outward, commuting times increased, traffic congestion worsened and many urban residents became increasingly disconnected from essential services within their own neighborhoods.
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Today, however, a different urban model is gaining global attention: the “15 minute city.”
The idea is simple but transformative. In a 15 minute city, residents should be able to access most essential daily needs within a short walk or bicycle ride from their homes. Workplaces, schools, healthcare services, parks, grocery stores, public transportation and recreational spaces are designed to exist within close proximity rather than requiring long car dependent commutes.
Supporters argue that this model can improve quality of life, reduce environmental damage, strengthen local economies and create healthier communities. Critics, meanwhile, warn about potential social inequality, rising property prices and fears of excessive urban regulation.
As cities worldwide rethink urban development after the COVID 19 pandemic, climate change and rapid population growth, human centered urban planning has become one of the major themes discussed at World Urban Forum 13.
The debate surrounding the 15 minute city reflects a broader global question: should cities be designed primarily for vehicles and economic efficiency, or for the daily wellbeing of people?
What exactly is a “15 minute city”?
The 15 minute city concept is based on proximity and accessibility.
Under this model, residents should be able to reach most daily necessities within approximately 15 minutes by walking, cycling or public transportation.
These necessities generally include:

Schools
Healthcare services
Grocery stores
Parks
Public transportation
Workspaces
Restaurants and cafes
Cultural facilities
Recreational areas

The concept does not necessarily mean people are restricted to their neighborhoods. Rather, it aims to reduce dependence on long commutes and improve local accessibility.
Urban planners argue that cities should function more like interconnected communities rather than fragmented zones separated by large distances and heavy traffic infrastructure.
The idea gained significant international attention during and after the COVID 19 pandemic, when lockdowns highlighted the importance of local neighborhoods, nearby public services and walkable urban environments.
Why are cities reconsidering car centered development?
Many modern cities were shaped heavily by automobile oriented planning during the 20th century.
Highways, large parking areas and suburban expansion became central features of urban development in many countries. While this model supported economic growth and personal mobility, it also created long term challenges.
Car dependent cities often experience:

Severe traffic congestion
Air pollution
Noise pollution
Long commuting times
Social isolation
Reduced public space
Higher carbon emissions

In many urban areas, roads and parking infrastructure occupy enormous amounts of valuable land that could otherwise support housing, parks or public facilities.
Long commutes also affect mental health, family life and productivity.
Urban planners increasingly argue that cities designed primarily around vehicles often become less human centered and less socially connected.
The 15 minute city model seeks to reverse some of these trends by prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation over private cars.
How does the 15 minute city relate to climate change?
Climate change is one of the major drivers behind growing interest in human centered urban planning.
Transportation remains one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Car dependent urban systems contribute significantly to air pollution and energy consumption.
By reducing the need for long daily commutes, 15 minute cities may help lower:

Fuel consumption
Traffic congestion
Carbon emissions
Urban pollution

Walkable cities also encourage more sustainable lifestyles by supporting public transportation and active mobility.
Green urban planning often accompanies the 15 minute city concept through:

Expanded green spaces
Bicycle infrastructure
Energy efficient buildings
Climate adaptive public areas
Reduced road infrastructure

Urban experts increasingly argue that sustainable cities require not only technological solutions, but also redesigned urban lifestyles.
The structure of cities themselves directly influences environmental impact.
How can walkable cities improve public health?
Health experts increasingly link urban design to physical and mental wellbeing.
Walkable neighborhoods encourage daily physical activity, helping reduce risks associated with:

Obesity
Heart disease
Diabetes
Stress
Depression

Access to parks, green spaces and public gathering areas also supports mental health and social interaction.
Long commuting times, by contrast, are often associated with:

Higher stress levels
Reduced family time
Sleep problems
Sedentary lifestyles

During the COVID 19 pandemic, many residents realized how important nearby parks, local businesses and public spaces were for daily life.
Urban planners increasingly argue that healthy cities should not only provide medical services, but also create environments that support healthier lifestyles naturally.
Human centered planning therefore integrates public health directly into urban design.
What role does public transportation play?
The 15 minute city does not eliminate the need for public transportation. Instead, it seeks to integrate transportation more effectively with local communities.
Efficient public transport remains essential for:

Regional connectivity
Economic mobility
Access to specialized services
Reducing car dependency

However, planners increasingly emphasize multimodal mobility systems that combine:

Walking
Cycling
Buses
Metro systems
Trams
Shared mobility services

The goal is creating flexible transportation networks that prioritize accessibility rather than car ownership alone.
Many cities are expanding bicycle lanes, pedestrian zones and public transport infrastructure simultaneously as part of broader urban transformation strategies.
This reflects a growing recognition that mobility should focus on people rather than vehicles.
Why are mixed use neighborhoods becoming more popular?
Traditional urban planning often separated cities into distinct zones:

Residential districts
Business areas
Industrial zones
Commercial centers

While this model improved organization, it also increased commuting distances and reduced neighborhood diversity.
Mixed use development seeks to combine housing, workplaces, shops and services within the same areas.
Supporters argue this creates:

More vibrant communities
Stronger local economies
Reduced transportation needs
Safer public spaces
Better social interaction

Local businesses may also benefit because residents spend more time within their neighborhoods.
Human centered planning increasingly prioritizes community interaction and street level activity rather than isolated urban functions.
How does technology support human centered planning?
Modern technology is helping cities redesign urban spaces more efficiently.
Data analytics and artificial intelligence allow planners to study:

Traffic patterns
Pedestrian movement
Public transport usage
Air quality
Population density
Infrastructure demand

Smart city technologies can help identify which neighborhoods lack access to essential services and where improvements are needed most.
Digital urban models also allow governments to simulate how street redesigns or transportation changes may affect mobility before construction begins.
However, urban experts caution that technology should support human centered planning rather than dominate it.
The ultimate goal is not creating cities that are simply more efficient, but cities that improve quality of life and social wellbeing.
Could the 15 minute city increase inequality?
Despite its popularity among many urban planners, the 15 minute city concept also faces criticism.
One concern is that highly desirable walkable neighborhoods may become more expensive over time, potentially pushing lower income residents out through gentrification.
As neighborhoods improve, property values and rents may rise significantly.
Critics warn that without affordable housing policies, human centered urban development could unintentionally deepen inequality.
There are also concerns that wealthier districts may receive better infrastructure investments than poorer communities.
Urban experts therefore stress that inclusive planning is essential.
A successful 15 minute city should provide equal access to:

Public services
Transportation
Green spaces
Education
Healthcare
Housing

Otherwise, urban transformation risks benefiting only privileged populations.
Why has the concept become politically controversial in some places?
In some countries, the 15 minute city idea has become politically sensitive and the subject of misinformation campaigns.
Critics and conspiracy theories have falsely claimed that such urban models aim to restrict freedom of movement or confine residents to specific districts.
Urban planners strongly reject these interpretations.
The actual concept focuses on increasing convenience and reducing unnecessary commuting rather than limiting mobility.
Residents remain free to travel throughout cities and beyond them.
However, debates surrounding traffic restrictions, environmental regulations and urban redesign have sometimes created political tension.
The controversy reflects broader societal debates about:

Climate policy
Government regulation
Urban lifestyles
Technological change
Individual freedom

As cities attempt major transformations, public communication and community participation have become increasingly important.
How are different cities implementing these ideas?
Cities around the world are adopting human centered planning approaches in different ways.
Some are expanding pedestrian zones and reducing car traffic in city centers. Others focus on improving public transportation and bicycle infrastructure.
Several urban areas are investing heavily in:

Local parks
Community spaces
Mixed use developments
Neighborhood healthcare facilities
Local education infrastructure

European cities have often been among the most active promoters of walkable urban models, although similar approaches are also expanding in parts of Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
The exact implementation varies depending on:

Geography
Population density
Economic conditions
Existing infrastructure
Cultural preferences

There is no single universal model for a 15 minute city.
What role does architecture play in human centered urbanism?
Architecture is becoming increasingly focused on human experience rather than purely visual or commercial considerations.
Human centered architecture emphasizes:

Accessibility
Natural light
Public interaction
Environmental sustainability
Community integration
Flexible public spaces

Street design is also evolving.
Urban planners increasingly favor:

Wider sidewalks
Outdoor public seating
Tree lined streets
Safe cycling routes
Reduced traffic dominance

Public spaces themselves are viewed as essential social infrastructure.
Parks, plazas and community areas help strengthen social cohesion and improve mental wellbeing.
The design of buildings and streets therefore directly shapes how people interact with cities and with each other.
Can human centered planning improve economic productivity?
Supporters argue that walkable and accessible cities may also strengthen economies.
Reduced commuting times can improve productivity and work life balance. Attractive urban environments may help cities attract talent, tourism and investment.
Local businesses often benefit from increased pedestrian activity and neighborhood based commerce.
At the same time, infrastructure costs may decrease if cities rely less heavily on large highway expansion projects.
Urban economists increasingly argue that quality of life itself has become an important economic factor in global competitiveness.
Cities that offer healthier, safer and more accessible environments may become more attractive for both residents and businesses.
How does this relate to social cohesion?
One major goal of human centered urbanism is rebuilding social connection within increasingly fragmented urban environments.
Car dependent cities often reduce spontaneous public interaction because residents spend large amounts of time commuting between isolated zones.
Walkable neighborhoods encourage:

Community interaction
Local engagement
Public activity
Cultural exchange

Public spaces become areas where social life develops naturally.
Urban sociologists increasingly warn that social isolation and declining community interaction can weaken civic trust and social resilience.
Human centered urban planning therefore seeks not only to improve infrastructure, but also to strengthen community relationships.
What challenges do developing cities face?
Implementing human centered urban models can be especially difficult in rapidly growing developing cities.
Challenges often include:

Limited funding
Informal settlements
Weak infrastructure
Rapid population growth
Traffic congestion
Housing shortages

However, some experts argue that developing cities may also have opportunities to avoid repeating mistakes made by heavily car dependent urban systems elsewhere.
New urban expansion projects increasingly incorporate:

Mixed use development
Public transportation
Green infrastructure
Walkable neighborhood planning

International cooperation and investment may play important roles in supporting these transitions.
Why is WUF13 focusing on these discussions?
At World Urban Forum 13, discussions about human centered urban planning reflect growing global concern regarding the future livability of cities.
Rapid urbanization, climate pressures, technological transformation and social inequality are forcing governments to reconsider traditional development models.
The forum highlights how urban planning affects not only transportation and infrastructure, but also:

Public health
Social equality
Climate resilience
Economic opportunity
Community wellbeing

Human centered cities are increasingly viewed as critical for long term sustainability and stability.
What could the cities of the future look like?
Future cities may become:

More walkable
Less car dependent
More environmentally sustainable
Digitally integrated
Community oriented
Climate resilient

Urban spaces may increasingly prioritize:

Public interaction
Accessibility
Mixed use development
Green infrastructure
Local services

Technology will likely continue playing an important role, but experts increasingly stress that successful cities must remain focused on human experience rather than technological efficiency alone.
The future of urban development may therefore depend on whether governments can design cities that are not only economically productive, but also healthier, more inclusive and more connected socially.
The rise of the 15 minute city reflects a broader transformation in how humanity understands urban life itself.
The central question facing modern urban planners is no longer simply how cities expand.
It is how cities can become places where people genuinely want to live, work and build communities in an increasingly complex world.

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Speaking at the WDR Europaforum, Merkel explained that she does not believe it is possible to conduct diplomacy with the Kremlin without holding actual political power, according to Hasepost on May 18, News.Az reports, citing United24.
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She noted that negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of hostilities in Donbas were only possible because she and then-French President François Hollande were active heads of state.
The former German leader expressed deep skepticism about sending former politicians to negotiate with current world leaders. “Personally, it would never occur to me to ask a mediator to go to Minsk in my place and speak with Putin there,” Merkel stated during the forum.
Her statement comes amid intense ongoing discussions within the European Union regarding the structure of possible future diplomatic contact with Moscow.
Prior to her refusal, Merkel was considered a top candidate for the role by European Union sources and expert Andreas Umland due to her personal acquaintance with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Proponents of her candidacy also highlighted her fluency in the Russian language and her perceived neutrality, which stems from her
These requirements led to the consideration of alternative figures, such as Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who possesses extensive diplomatic experience in the Middle East, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who maintains functional relationships with both sides.
Meanwhile, Putin previously suggested that another former German Chancellor, 82-year-old Gerhard Schröder, who led Germany from 1998 to 2005, should be brought in as a mediator. The European Union quickly rejected the proposal. Schröder has faced continuous criticism for his close personal friendship with Putin and his past employment at Russian state-owned oil and gas corporations.
Although Schröder has described the current war as a mistake and previously traveled to Moscow with a peace plan, his initiative was dismissed. His proposed framework required Ukraine to drop its aspirations to join NATO and cede Crimea to Russia, while keeping the Donbas region under the condition that Russian would become a second official state language.
Previously, the European Union explored the possibility of involving former German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a mediator in negotiations with Russia. EU sources suggested that Merkel’s fluency in the Russian language and her retirement made her a relatively neutral candidate.
distance from current active politics.

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In a joint statement, leaders of the opposition parties called for dissolution of Knesset and early elections, News.Az reports, citing The Times of Israel.
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It added that “instead of continuing to support a dysfunctional Knesset, we call on everyone to support the proposal of dissolving the Knesset, which will be presented next Wednesday, and to go to the polls as soon as possible.”
“The governing coalition withdrew all its bills from the agenda of Monday’s session, ahead of the expected preliminary vote on the bill,” it said.
It noted that the timeline for passing the bill remains unclear, but it is likely to pass quickly in the Knesset, where, after its preliminary approval, it will be referred to the relevant committee, and then presented for three plenary readings before becoming law.
If the Knesset is dissolved, Israel will head to early elections, unless those elections are held on their original date of October 27, the date on which the current Knesset’s term legally expires.
Israel’s ruling coalition submitted a bill on May 13 to dissolve the Knesset amid a Haredi conscription crisis, in a move seen as an attempt to thwart a similar step from the opposition.
General elections are scheduled to take place in October.
Opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman warned on Thursday in press remarks that Netanyahu could take military action for electoral purposes amid growing talk of dissolving the Knesset and going to early elections.
Lieberman’s remarks came as Israel continues to violate ceasefire agreements in Gaza and southern Lebanon daily while expanding its occupation of territory on both fronts and stepping up incitement against Iran, Lebanon and Gaza.
The opposition has long called for early elections, a step Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected.
Netanyahu has been wanted since 2024 by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, where more than 72,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children since October 2023.

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Photos show children being evacuated from the area, News.Az reports, citing ABC news.

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“Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said earlier on social media.

The center says it is the largest mosque in San Diego County.

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