"I will ensure that outside pressures – political, legal, and others – stop with me and do not reach the gates of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)," Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said at the appointment ceremony for the new IDF top general, Herzi Halevi.
"Israel’s economy is getting stronger; we will outpace the US, and we have already outpaced Europe,” Netanyahu says at cabinet meeting, adding that Israel "cannot safeguard Zionism by fencing it in or by restricting citizens’ movements.”
"I am now focused on two critical roles that I believe I bear as president at this hour: averting a historic constitutional crisis and stopping the continued rift within our nation," Herzog says.
The crowd at Tel Aviv's Habima Square had swelled to 80,000 people by 9 p.m. despite cool, rainy weather. Protesters, many covered by umbrellas, held Israeli flags and signs saying “Criminal Government," “The End of Democracy”.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut issues stark warning against the proposed reforms by Justice Minister Yariv Levin to limit High Court rulings against government moves or Knesset laws.
Roman Zadorov was released to house arrest in 2021 after his attorneys presented evidence that cast doubt on his conviction. Prosecutors expect he will be acquitted of the crime.
Herzog's rare entry into the political fray came shortly after Otzma Yehudit MK Zvika Fogel said that four leading members of the opposition, including Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, "are the most dangerous people there are at this moment."
The ultra-Orthodox sector, in particular, reports the highest volunteering rate with as many as 60% engaging in such activity on a regular basis.
Protesters contend that proposed plans by the new Cabinet will hinder the judicial system and widen societal gaps.
Court asserts Aryeh Deri "cannot say he is retiring from public life and get the benefit of a convenient plea bargain and after a little while say the opposite and get appointed as an MK and minister."
