Israel

The Aliyah and Integration Ministry switches focus from encouraging aliyah from Eastern Europe to France and other Western nations.

"These are insane numbers," a source familiar with the matter says with regard to the construction plans, adding that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the main driving force behind the initiative, did a lot of the work behind the scenes.

The Higher Planning Committee is set to meet next week to approve 4,560 new housing units in communities throughout the region.

“We will pass the bill on the limiting the reasonability clause through a second and third [final] reading by the end of the current session,” the official says, referring to the Knesset current legislative session. On Sunday, Netanyahu said he would take "active steps" to pass contentious measures.

"Most of Israeli society understand that there need to be changes in the judicial system," the prime minister tells his Cabinet.

The Judicial Selection Committee is now made up of lawmakers, ministers, judges, and lawyers. In the past, it has been traditional for the two members named by the Knesset to represent the coalition and opposition, but hardliners want both to represent the government.

The Opposition leader testifies in Jerusalem in one of three corruption cases against the prime minister. The indictment claims he used his position of power to further Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan's interests in exchange for gifts.

Members of the Sweden Democrats party welcomed by Likud members, and subsequently draft a binding document of principles renouncing their past, hoping to pave the way for official relations and recognition.