The decision was announced just weeks before the opening of the 61st International Art Exhibition, which starts on May 9. Five members of the jury said they would not shortlist participants from countries whose leaders are under investigation by the International Criminal Court. Although no specific countries are named in the document, the wording directly affects Russia and Israel.

American President Donald Trump yesterday formulated two ultimatums at once. First, he announced that he had banned Israel from bombing Lebanon, and soon wrote on his social network Truth Social that NATO should “stay out” of the unblocked Strait of Hormuz.

The leaders of Israel and Lebanon will hold their first talks in more than 30 years on April 16. The location of the meeting and the names of the participants were not disclosed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his cabinet to begin direct talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah radicals and establish “peaceful relations” between the two countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel remains ready to confront Iran despite the truce reached between Tehran and Washington.

Two publications, believed to be insiders, have reported the resumption of direct contacts between US President Steve Whitkoff’s special envoy and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in recent days. However, the latter denied this information.

The analysts compared the military capabilities of Israel and Iran in terms of manpower, air force, land systems, naval resources, defense spending and population.

UPDATED. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that an immediate state of emergency has been declared throughout Israel due to military operations against Iran. The MFA advises Moldovan citizens to strictly follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and minimize movements.

The volume of trade between Moldova and the State of Israel will increase significantly in 2025, reaching $53.84 million, up from $27.22 million in 2024, Logos Press reported.
