In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a recent poll found 68% of Palestinians say the Oct. 7 Hamas attack was a legitimate act of defiance and support for the group has more than tripled to 44%.

The Jewish settlement of Esh Kodesh was established in the occupied West Bank decades ago. Israel has since built more residential communities on the land Palestinians want for a country of their own.

Bank of the West is cutting 45 employees, as of Sept. 15, at its former headquarters at 180 Montgomery St. in San Francisco’s Financial District, according to California WARN notices the bank filed.

In 2023, BMO Financial Group acquired Bank of the West. Erminia "Ernie" Johannson, BMO's group head of North American personal and business banking, led the integration. Executives at BMO saw ...