Israel

Netanyahu was admitted to the Sheba-Tel Hashomer Medical Center on Saturday after suffering from apparent dehydration in his home in Caesarea. He was kept under observation overnight, releasing a video saying that he feels good and urging the public to “spend less time in the sun and drink more water."

"It's going to get more violent and more severe," a senior police officer tells Israel Hayom on Thursday, adding, that force "will separate the two sides; we won't let kibbutzim be blocked."

Israel's consul is said to be in contact with authorities to "bring about the release of the Israeli citizen as soon as possible, safe and sound."

Gallant calls on public figures on both the Right and Left to keep politics out of the IDF. Retired IAF officers back reservists, including former Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz.

The US, which has called for the independence of the judiciary to be protected and urged Netanyahu to try to build consensus for his reform proposals, issues statement calling on Israel to respect the right to peacefully assemble.

Anti-overhaul activists have called for nationwide mass demonstrations throughout the day, including protests at Israel's main international airport that could disrupt travel.

Gal Luft is co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, which describes itself as a Washington, DC-based think tank focused on energy, security and economic trends.

With the major part of the judicial overhaul – a measure preventing justices from overruling ministerial decisions – passing its first reading, demonstrators vow to stage protests nationwide, including at Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Big Shopping Centers says it will shut all its stores on Tuesday if the controversial legislation is passed, but later walks backs comments due to political pressure.

The economic and defense package comes amid the deteriorating security situation in Judea and Samaria.