Ebola Death Toll Near 5,000 as Israel Election Remains Uncertain
Record turnout in Israel leaves the prime ministerial race undecided, while the DRC reports a surge in Ebola cases across multiple countries.
By Yuki Kaminski ·
More than 10,000 people have been infected with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the outbreak was declared in May, according to the latest figures released by the country's health authorities.
The crisis has become the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak in history. The geographic scope is also the largest on record, with cases reported across a region spanning from Nigeria to Kenya. The death toll stands at nearly 5,000, making it the second-lethal outbreak ever documented. Health officials note that approximately one-third of the victims have been children.
In Jerusalem, Israeli voters turned out in record numbers to decide the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The election is currently too close to call, leaving the nation without a clear path to a new administration.
Netanyahu is locked in a tight race with Gadi Eisenkot, his top rival. Eisenkot is a center-right politician and former military chief of staff. Election officials stated they expect to finish counting all votes by tomorrow afternoon. Until then, the lead has shifted back and forth, with Eisenkot holding an advantage at one point before Netanyahu pulled ahead by morning.
The leading candidate will have six weeks to form a governing coalition. Neither politician currently has a clear majority. Eisenkot may rely on support from Arab-led parties, who view him as a potential prime minister. However, his camp is hesitant to form a coalition with those parties due to mistrust following the October 7, 2023, attacks. Party leaders may need days or weeks to negotiate with defectors from the opposing camps to secure a governing majority.
The election results will determine whether Netanyahu remains in office or is ousted by an alternative leadership. The uncertainty has left the political landscape in a state of limbo as officials continue to tally the final ballots.
The outbreak and the election are two of the most pressing global issues on the agenda this week. Both situations involve high stakes and complex logistical challenges for the respective governments.
