Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had challenged the Israeli leader's judicial overhaul plan. In response, the Histadrut umbrella group has called for a general strike that could paralyze large parts of the Israeli economy, already weakened by the coronavirus pandemic. The move has raised concerns among close allies of Israel, who have expressed their concern over Netanyahu's plan.
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Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid has warned the government of Benjamin Netanyahu that the proposed judicial overhaul would be the most significant since the country's founding in 1948, and could limit both Israelis and Palestinians in seeking the court's defense of their rights. He also criticized the government's decision to fire Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and urged Netanyahu to reverse the decision. Opposition to the proposed changes has been voiced both inside and outside Israel, and it remains to be seen if the government will heed Lapid's warnings.
North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern waters, with the missiles reaching a maximum altitude of 31 miles and landing outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone. This is likely to be seen as a show of force by North Korea as the U.S. and South Korea continue their military exercises in the region, and tensions between the two countries have been rising in recent months.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, signaling his intention to move ahead with a controversial plan to overhaul the country's judiciary. This has sparked mass protests and unrest, with many calling for Netanyahu to resign. The situation is still unfolding, with Netanyahu yet to comment on the dismissal or the protests.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after he called for a pause in the government's drive to overhaul the country's court system. This has caused a rift in the coalition government and has intensified the brewing showdown between Netanyahu's government and the judiciary. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel has asked the Supreme Court to punish Netanyahu for allegedly violating a conflict of interest agreement, and a parliamentary vote on a centerpiece of the overhaul is set for this week.
House Republican committee chairs have sought documents and testimony from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office regarding a possible criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump. In response, District Attorney Alvin Bragg has slammed the efforts of the GOP trio, saying that their inquiry serves only to hinder the investigation. Bragg added that the District Attorney's Office is committed to conducting a fair and impartial investigation into the $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.
On Sunday, dozens of people gathered in Hong Kong for the city's first authorized protest since the lifting of major COVID-19 restrictions. The protest was organized by the Civil Human Rights Front, a pro-democracy group, and was held under unprecedentedly strict rules set by the police. The protesters marched peacefully through the streets of Hong Kong, chanting slogans and holding signs that read "No Reclamation" and "Protect Our Home". The protest is a reminder of the freedom of assembly that was promised to Hong Kong when it returned to China from Britain in 1997, but which has been increasingly eroded in recent years.
The Biden administration has suffered a setback after the withdrawal of their nominee to run the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Phillip Washington. The White House blamed the withdrawal on "an onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks" and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Washington “an excellent nominee”. Despite Democratic support, key senators on their side balked at supporting Biden’s pick, and it remains to be seen who will be chosen to fill the role of FAA Administrator.