Your morning Briefing: Trump ‘strongly’ backs Morrison over Israel

Welcome to your 2-minute briefing on the day’s top stories and must-reads.

Hello readers. Here is your 2-minute digest of what’s making news today.

First lady Melania Trump looks on as President Donald Trump speaks during a briefing with state and local officials on the response to Hurricane Michael, Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, Macon, Ga. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump backs PM on Israel

The Trump administration has strongly backed the Morrison Government’s new Middle East policy, including the possible relocation of Australia’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“We welcome and strongly support Australia’s review and discussions on relocating its embassy, seeking a better deal with Iran, and increasing engagement with Israel.”

White House official

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15/10/2018: Wentworth by-election debate with top five candidates (l-R) Liberal Dave Sharma and independent Kerryn Phelps at Bondi Surf Club. Hollie Adams/The Australian

Phelps poised to win

Independent candidate Kerryn Phelps is set for victory over the Morrison government in the Wentworth by-election this Saturday, as Liberal Party polling shows the former Australian Medical Association president ahead of Liberal candidate Dave Sharma 55 per cent to 45 per cent on a two-party-preferred basis. Keep up with all the latest from parliament as it happens in our live blog, PoliticsNow.

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Saudi consul's residance is cordoned off by Turkish police as officers wait for forensic and investigation delegation at the residence of the Saudi consul in Istanbul, on October 16, 2018, the day after Turkish police and prosecutors searched the Saudi embassy after Riyadh gave the green-light amid global uproar over the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi since October 2. Saudi Arabia's consul to Istanbul Mohammed al-Otaibion on October 16, 2018 left the Turkish city bound for Riyadh on a scheduled flight, reports said, as Turkey prepared to search his residence in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. / AFP PHOTO / Ozan KOSE (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)

‘Video proves’ Khashoggi murder

Ankara has reportedly told the US it has audio and video proof that Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

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Pakistan cricketer Muhammed Abbas (L) celebrates after he dismissed Australia cricketer Usman Khawaja during day one of the second Test cricket match in the series between Australia and Pakistan at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 16, 2018. (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP)

Aussies lose late wickets

Marathon man Usman Khawaja lasted just 13 balls in his UAE sequel to bring Australia back to earth after Nathan Lyon had earlier bulldozed Pakistan, Ben Horne writes. Australia lost Khawaja and nightwatchman Peter Siddle in the seven overs they were set to survive before stumps on day one, following a crazy day of Test cricket in the series decider.

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Jesse Hogan, Dylan Shiel, Lachie Neale, Dayne Beams and Chad Wingard.

Deadline day for AFL

Once again a late flurry of almost all of the biggest swaps between AFL clubs will be squeezed in before tonight’s deadline of the 10-day player-exchange period. Stay abreast of all the wheeling and dealing in our live blog of the final day of the AFL Trade Period for 2018.

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Kudelka’s view

Jon Kudelka Letters Cartoon for 17-10-2018. Version: Letters Cartoon (1280x720 - Aspect ratio preserved, Canvas added)COPYRIGHT: The Australian's artists each have different copyright agreements in place regarding re-use of their work in other publications.Please seek advice from the artists themselves or the Managing Editor of The Australian regarding re-use.