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US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee made a rare appearance at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, calling it “an act of friendship.” He accused the judge of bias and compared Netanyahu’s legal troubles to those of President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu is on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, as Israel continues to fight in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Trump had earlier called for the trial to be cancelled, calling it a “witch hunt” and demanding a pardon for the Israeli leader. Huckabee echoed Trump’s stance, defending the move as support, not interference, according to Firstpost.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called on India, China, and Brazil to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin towards peace, warning that continued economic ties with Moscow could “slam back” on them.

His remarks come as India faces criticism for ramping up imports of discounted Russian oil since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, European and NATO countries remain major buyers of Russian energy, Firstpost reported.

The EU leads in liquefied and pipeline gas imports, while NATO member Turkey is the top importer of Russian oil products—highlighting a double standard in Western criticism.

Brazil has formally protested the US decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on all Brazilian exports from August 1, calling the move harmful to both economies and a threat to long-standing bilateral ties, according to Xinhua.

In a letter to US officials, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expressed “indignation” over the decision, announced by US President Trump on July 9.

A Quaest poll shows 72 percent of Brazilians oppose the tariffs, with most fearing economic fallout. Over half back Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s call for reciprocal measures, as his approval rating sees a slight boost, Xinhua reported.

Meanwhile, the US has launched a probe into Brazil’s digital trade practices, claiming they disadvantage American businesses.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced new limits on foreign steel imports, aiming to shield Canada’s struggling steel sector from cheap overseas competition and ongoing US tariffs, according to Firstpost.

Imports from non-free trade partners like China and Turkey will be capped at half of 2024 levels, with a 50 percent tariff on any excess. Similar limits and tariffs will apply to imports from other free trade partners, excluding the US and Mexico. Additionally, a 25 percent tariff will target steel from non-US countries if it was melted and poured in China.

Carney said the changes will help Canadian producers secure a larger share of the domestic market. Existing rules under the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement remain unchanged, Firstpost reported.

Industry leaders welcomed the move, calling it a needed step to stabilize the sector.