Irish media reported on May 5 Prime Minister Micheál Martin confirmed Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has imposed travel bans on Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. The government said both have played significant roles in the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and that their statements and actions reflect an intent to remove Palestinians from Palestinian territories; immigration officers will be instructed to refuse them entry. The decis

According to the Wall Street Journal, President Trump said he has privately urged acting director of national intelligence Bill Pulte to begin large-scale layoffs to drive a reorganization of the U.S. intelligence community. Trump said he told Pulte he believes the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees 18 federal intelligence agencies and departments, is 'not necessary, or too large.' He added 'I want it smaller; I think there are a lot of people in there who shouldn't be there.' When asked whether he was calling for Pulte to fire employees, Trump said he wanted Pulte to 'start the process' and that a permanent nominee should continue the effort.

Philippine consumer price inf eased to 6.8% YoY in May from 7.2% in April, below the 7.8% median survey and the PHILIPPINE C.BANK's prior 7.1%-7.9% projection for May. Preliminary extension of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire has pushed global energy prices down, easing imported fuel pressure for the Philippines, which sources over 90% of its oil from the Middle East. PHILIPPINE C.BANK governor Eli Remolona said policymakers will closely monitor incoming inf data ahead of the June 18 meeting to decide whether a policy rate increase is needed.