Thousands of Israeli protesters rallied in Tel Aviv, demanding elections and the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The protest follows a controversial law passed by Israel's Knesset, which changes the committee responsible for appointing judges. This comes as Israel resumes its military campaign against Hamas after a ceasefire, with the country divided over political decisions and the fate of the hostages.
Although, lawmakers will be forced to listen to the Opposition as coalition’s ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party is set to block the passage of the spending bill until the Knesset paves the way for exemption of Haredi men from getting drafted in military mandatorily.
A proposed Netanyahu government law will allow a simple majority in Parliament to override supreme court rulings and enable politicians to appoint justices to the bench. Ordinary Israelis have erupted in fury at the move. The dismissal of Defence minister Yoav Gallant, who asked Netanyahu to halt the contentious legislation, fuelled the protests.
In the highest-level visit by an Indian leader since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, Israel is all set to extend a warm welcome to Mukherjee.