Feb 24, 2020 - World

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad submits resignation to king

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad gives a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, Sept. 5. Photo: Vladimir Smirnov/AFP via Getty Images

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has submitted his resignation to the country's king, he confirmed in a statement on Monday.

Why it matters: The 94-year-old has been the world's oldest prime minister since coming to power in 2018, and his resignation shocked many, amid "rumours that he may form a new coalition without his designated successor, Anwar Ibrahim," per the BBC. His party has "exited the ruling coalition, kicking off a race to form the next government," Bloomberg notes.

Flashback: Malaysian opposition wins stunning election victory

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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Barak Ravid of Israel's Channel 13 news, Dave Lawler

Israel’s opposition uniting in bid to bring down Netanyahu

Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Israel's election committee has published the results of Monday's election showing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc with 58 seats — three short of the parliamentary majority needed to form a government.

Why it matters: Worse still for Netanyahu, particularly in the wake of what looked like a remarkable victory, a majority might now be uniting behind an effort to effectively end his political career. His corruption trial, meanwhile, is set to begin in just 12 days.

Go deeperMar 5, 2020 - World

Barak Ravid of Israel's Channel 13 news, Dave Lawler

Netanyahu's party on course to win Israel's election: exit polls

Netanyahu campaigns in Tel Aviv, Feb. 29. Photo: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party is projected to win the most seats in Israel's election, according to exit polls. All three updated polls show his right-wing bloc with 59 seats, two short of a majority.

Why it matters: The exit polls are not official results, but they project a strong performance from Netanyahu in Israel's third elections in 10 months despite a looming corruption trial. Both Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, his centrist rival, failed to form coalition governments following elections in April and September.

Go deeperMar 2, 2020 - World

Dave Lawler

Coronavirus tests world leaders like never before

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

In the coming months, the decisions world leaders make — and their ability to communicate them effectively — could determine whether millions live or die, and whether the global economy stays afloat.

What to watch: Nations are judging their leaders on a daily basis. They may ultimately be revered or reviled based on the decisions they make now. Some may emerge with new powers that last well beyond the outbreak.

Go deeperMar 23, 2020 - Politics & Policy