World News at a Glance

In Memorial to War Dead, Israel Avoids Addressing Its Conflicts

When Israel’s leaders gather Wednesday at the country’s new National Memorial Hall for Israel’s Fallen, there will be little trace of the long battle it took to build it. The annual Memorial Day ceremony will take place a day before celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Israel’s foundation. The product of decades of political wrangling, emotional strife and procrastination, the monument reveals little about Israel’s wars with its external enemies. Instead, its minimalist design sidesteps internal conflicts over what should be memorialized, why and how, in a country still fighting its battles and split by deep ideological divisions.

Chemical Arms Experts Blocked From Site of Syria Attack

Chemical arms inspectors were blocked Monday from the site of what is suspected of having been a poison attack by Syria’s military near Damascus, raising Western suspicions that Syria and its Russian ally were scrubbing the stricken area of evidence. The inspectors, from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, arrived in Syria on Saturday with the urgent goal of investigating the site of the April 7 attack in Douma, which killed dozens. But 48 hours later the inspectors were prevented from reaching the site, which Syrian and Russian forces have captured from rebels.

Theresa May Earns Cold Reception in U.K. Parliament Over Syria Attacks

After ordering British forces into action in Syria, Prime Minister Theresa May faced criticism from lawmakers Monday, with many seeming to resent being bypassed over the decision. In Parliament, May argued that the attack had sent a vital signal that the use of chemical weapons would not be tolerated. With the missiles having been delivered, there was a limit to what Parliament could do about a decision made while lawmakers were on Easter vacation. But by making their voices heard, members of Parliament made clear the potential political risks to May were she to repeat military action without consulting lawmakers.

U.S. and U.K. Warn of Cybersecurity Threat From Russia

The United States and Britain on Monday issued a joint warning about Russian cyberattacks against government and private organizations as well as homes and offices in both countries, a milestone in the escalating use of cyberweaponry between major powers. The statements called to mind a computer-age version of a Cold War air raid drill, but asking citizens to upgrade their passwords rather than duck and cover. Ciaran Martin, chief executive of Britain’s National Cyber Security Center, said Russia had targeted “millions” of devices in both countries, often seeking to hack into individual homes or small businesses.

21 Million in Assets Seized in South African Corruption Inquiry

Law enforcement officials raided the compound of a family close to former President Jacob Zuma of South Africa on Monday as part of an investigation into corruption at a government dairy farm project. Officials seized assets totaling about $21 million at the Johannesburg residence of the Guptas, three Indian brothers who built a business empire through their ties to Zuma, his family and political allies. National prosecutors said the assets belonged to “several individuals and entities who were implicated in the offenses of theft, fraud and money laundering” in an investigation into a dairy farm project in Vrede.

Niger Ambush Suspect May Be in Custody, Officials Say

More than six months ago, U.S. soldiers rushed to a spot in Niger after intelligence officials intercepted a signal from a terrorist known as Doundoun Cheffou. He wasn’t there, but four of the Americans were killed in an ambush. This month, Nigerien forces apprehended a man who matches the description of Cheffou. Nigerien authorities are working to verify his identity, said a senior Nigerien commander, an account confirmed by a retired U.S. counterterrorism official. The man has been turned over to a special counterterrorism police unit in the country’s capital, Niamey, where agents are working to identify him.