On Sunday night, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly sacked his defence minister for opposing the country's proposed judicial reform, tens of thousands of Israelis flocked to the streets of Israeli towns.

Huge protests erupt in Israel after PM Benjamin Netanyahu sacks defence minister

Protests in Israel against the judicial reform have been going on from the past three months now. The demonstrations which initially used to be peaceful now often end up in confrontation with the security forces. This time too the clashes erupted between security forces and protesters after they tried to block a highway in Tel Aviv.

Israel protesters now 3-months strong; Defence Min Yoav Gallant appeals to halt investigation

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu at No. 10 Downing Street, on Friday (March 24). This comes as Netanyahu has been facing weeks of protests with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets across Israel over his proposed judicial overhaul. In fact, he could not escape demonstrators even after flying across the sea, as hundreds gathered outside 10 Downing Street prior to his meeting with Sunak.&nbsp;

During the meeting, Sunak stressed the importance of “upholding democratic values”, said the UK PM’s spokesperson after the talks. This comes as Israel is witnessing widespread protests over the proposed judicial overhaul by Netanyahu’s government which would supposedly be directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme Court and giving more power to the ruling party, which typically holds a majority in the Knesset (Israeli parliament).&nbsp;

Prior to Netanyahu’s meeting with Sunak, he was greeted by hundreds of protesters outside No 10 Downing Street who held Israeli flags and shouted various chants including “Boosha!” which means “for shame” in Hebrew and “Netanyahu go to jail, you can't speak for Israel!”, reported Reuters. 
 
Similar scenes were witnessed in Germany, last week, when hundreds gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to protest the proposed bills.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-israel-thousands-protest-outside-parliament-as-it-holds-first-vote-on-proposed-judicial-reform-564087">Explained | Israel: Netanyahu govt's controversial legal plan passes first reading amid protests</a>

The readouts issued by both countries said how the leaders spoke about “strengthening the close partnership between the UK and Israel and challenges they share, including the threat posed by Iran and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

However, the Israeli readout of the meeting did not mention anything about the judicial overhaul, as per Israeli media reports. The statement by the UK government said, “The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel.”&nbsp;

Furthermore, Sunak also expressed his solidarity with Israel “in the face of terrorist attacks in recent months. The UK would always stand with Israel and its ability to defend itself,” said the statement by the British government. Netanyahu also said that he invited Sunak to visit Israel in the near future, while the British readout said that the UK PM “looked forward to visiting Israel at the earliest opportunity.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-charles-france-visit-postponed-as-pension-protests-turn-violent-575344">King Charles III’s state visit to France postponed as pension protests turn violent</a>

According to reports, the Israeli PM left Downing Street less than an hour after he arrived. The leaders in the meeting also discussed Iran's “destabilising activity” and that their governments “would continue to work closely together to push back against aggression and manage the risk of nuclear proliferation”, said the UK. While a statement by Netanyahu’s office about the topic said that the conversation centred around the Iranian nuclear threat and the Israeli PM thanked his British counterpart for his position on the issue but called for more pressure on Tehran.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu at No. 10 Downing Street, on Friday (March 24). This comes as Netanyahu has been facing weeks of protests with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets across Israel over his proposed judicial overhaul.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu at No. 10 Downing Street, on Friday (March 24). This comes as Netanyahu has been facing weeks of protests with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets across Israel over his proposed judicial overhaul. In fact, he could not escape demonstrators even after flying across the sea, as hundreds gathered outside 10 Downing Street prior to his meeting with Sunak. During the meeting, Sunak stressed the importance of “upholding democratic values”, said the UK PM’s spokesperson after the talks. This comes as Israel is witnessing widespread protests over the proposed judicial overhaul by Netanyahu’s government which would supposedly be directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme Court and giving more power to the ruling party, which typically holds a majority in the Knesset (Israeli parliament). Prior to Netanyahu’s meeting with Sunak, he was greeted by hundreds of protesters outside No 10 Downing Street who held Israeli flags and shouted various chants including “Boosha!” which means “for shame” in Hebrew and “Netanyahu go to jail, you can't speak for Israel!”, reported Reuters. Similar scenes were witnessed in Germany, last week, when hundreds gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to protest the proposed bills. ALSO READ | Explained | Israel: Netanyahu govt's controversial legal plan passes first reading amid protests The readouts issued by both countries said how the leaders spoke about “strengthening the close partnership between the UK and Israel and challenges they share, including the threat posed by Iran and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the Israeli readout of the meeting did not mention anything about the judicial overhaul, as per Israeli media reports. The statement by the UK government said, “The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel.” Furthermore, Sunak also expressed his solidarity with Israel “in the face of terrorist attacks in recent months. The UK would always stand with Israel and its ability to defend itself,” said the statement by the British government. Netanyahu also said that he invited Sunak to visit Israel in the near future, while the British readout said that the UK PM “looked forward to visiting Israel at the earliest opportunity.” ALSO READ | King Charles III’s state visit to France postponed as pension protests turn violent According to reports, the Israeli PM left Downing Street less than an hour after he arrived. The leaders in the meeting also discussed Iran's “destabilising activity” and that their governments “would continue to work closely together to push back against aggression and manage the risk of nuclear proliferation”, said the UK. While a statement by Netanyahu’s office about the topic said that the conversation centred around the Iranian nuclear threat and the Israeli PM thanked his British counterpart for his position on the issue but called for more pressure on Tehran. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel’s Netanyahu meets Sunak at Downing Street amid protests; UK PM stresses on ‘democratic values’

Israel's parliament has passed a new law that would prevent a Prime Minister from being declared unfit to hold office by the attorney general. It is considered to be in the interests of the incumbent, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges.

Judicial reforms protest : Cracks in Israeli's coalition government

Protesters have returned to streets of Israel after Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected a compromise plan announced by the President and remained defined on pushing through the controversial judicial reforms.

Israel protests: Cracks in Israel's coalition government

Protesters launched a day-long disruptive campaign on Thursday to paralyze the country over the proposed revamp of the judiciary by the Israeli government, starting off with a manifestation outside the Jerusalem residence of ousted minister and Shas leader Arye Deri.

Judicial reform bills: Protesters PARALYZE Israel with roadblocks, rallies

The Israeli parliament on Tuesday decided to repeal a law banning four settlements in the occupied west bank. This allows jewish settlers to return to the locations. The knesset amended a 2005 law that had ordered their evacuation. Meanwhile, the US Said it was 'extremely troubled' by Israel's move to lift the ban. The parliamentary vote was passed, after it got 31 votes in favour and 18 votes against. It was immediately denounced by Palestinians. This is one of the first major steps taken by PM Netanyahu's hard-right coalition.

Palestine: Israel continuing open battle against our people

The Israeli parliament on Tuesday decided to repeal a law banning four settlements in the occupied west bank. This allows jewish settlers to return to the locations. The knesset amended a 2005 law that had ordered their evacuation. Meanwhile, the US Said it was 'extremely troubled' by Israel's move to lift the ban. The parliamentary vote was passed, after it got 31 votes in favour and 18 votes against. It was immediately denounced by Palestinians. This is one of the first major steps taken by PM Netanyahu's hard-right coalition

Israel repeals 2005 law banning four West Banks settlements

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a softening of his judicial overhaul plan on Monday but the opposition has still vowed to challenge its key legislation in the Supreme Court, setting stage for a constitutional showdown.

Israel Judicial Reforms: Opposition vows to take judicial reforms to Supreme Court

After 11 consecutive weeks of mass demonstrations, Israel on Monday presented an amended version of its contentious judicial overhaul. Announcing the amendment Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Monday said that the bill to change the way judges are selected has been amended after a first-reading vote. Compared to the initial text, the new version of the contentious reform reportedly puts more lawmakers and members of the judiciary in the judicial appointments panel.

It would need to pass a vote of parliament's law committee before a second and third, final reading by the full chamber.

Watch |&nbsp;President Herzog: Israel at a turning point, civil war a red line | Israel Protests 
&nbsp;

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The proposed reforms, which are already in motion in Israel's parliament, would give the nation's politicians more power over the courts.&nbsp;

Opponents of Netanyahu have accused him of bringing in the reform with the nefarious motive of quashing possible judgements against him. The PM is currently on trial for corruption charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-in-israel-continue-for-11th-week-after-netanyahu-rejected-president-herzogs-proposal-573577">Protests in Israel continue for 11th week after PM Netanyahu rejects President Herzog’s proposal</a>

Defending the new version, the right-wing Likud party said that it "won't enable the coalition or opposition to take over the court, but ensures diversity in the selection of justices".

As per a US White House statement, President Joe Biden on a call with Netanyahu has voiced support for the "compromise." He also stressed the importance of "genuine checks and balances."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-judicial-protests-pm-netanyahu-urges-military-chief-to-contain-reservists-protest-573684">Israel judicial reforms: PM Netanyahu urges military chief to contain reservists’ protest</a>

Opposition leader Yair Lapid as per AFP denied that the new version is a "compromise," and said that "if the change in the committee to select judges passes, it will constitute a hostile and dangerous takeover of the court system by ruthless politicians."

While Netanyahu's coalition argues that the proposed reforms are essential to limit judicial overreach, critics say that they threaten Israel's democracy by weakening key checks and balances.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After 11 consecutive weeks of mass demonstrations, Israel on Monday presented an amended version of its contentious judicial overhaul. Announcing the amendment Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Monday said that the bill to change the way judges are selected has been amended after a first-reading vote.

After 11 consecutive weeks of mass demonstrations, Israel on Monday presented an amended version of its contentious judicial overhaul. Announcing the amendment Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Monday said that the bill to change the way judges are selected has been amended after a first-reading vote. Compared to the initial text, the new version of the contentious reform reportedly puts more lawmakers and members of the judiciary in the judicial appointments panel. It would need to pass a vote of parliament's law committee before a second and third, final reading by the full chamber. Watch | President Herzog: Israel at a turning point, civil war a red line | Israel Protests The proposed reforms, which are already in motion in Israel's parliament, would give the nation's politicians more power over the courts. Opponents of Netanyahu have accused him of bringing in the reform with the nefarious motive of quashing possible judgements against him. The PM is currently on trial for corruption charges. Also read | Protests in Israel continue for 11th week after PM Netanyahu rejects President Herzog’s proposal Defending the new version, the right-wing Likud party said that it "won't enable the coalition or opposition to take over the court, but ensures diversity in the selection of justices". As per a US White House statement, President Joe Biden on a call with Netanyahu has voiced support for the "compromise." He also stressed the importance of "genuine checks and balances." Also read | Israel judicial reforms: PM Netanyahu urges military chief to contain reservists’ protest Opposition leader Yair Lapid as per AFP denied that the new version is a "compromise," and said that "if the change in the committee to select judges passes, it will constitute a hostile and dangerous takeover of the court system by ruthless politicians." While Netanyahu's coalition argues that the proposed reforms are essential to limit judicial overreach, critics say that they threaten Israel's democracy by weakening key checks and balances. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After 11 weeks of protests, Israel modifies key judicial reform

Protests in Israel against the planned judicial reforms have now entered their eleventh week. Demonstrators once again gathered in the city of Tel Aviv. Like every Saturday, this time too Israelis flocked the streets of Tel Aviv as part of nationwide demonstrations against the judicial overhaul. Waiving national flags, the demonstrators chanted slogans and marched across the streets. Israeli forces could be seen pushing the protesters away in an effort to disperse. But protesters continued to showcase their disapproval. As the bill moves towards ratification - protests too are getting intensified. Protesters here also tried to block a highway at the site. This led to scuffle as police tried to clear off the protesters.

Israel protests over judicial reforms, demonstrators scuffle with security forces

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (March 19) asked the country's military’s chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi on Sunday (March 19) to contain a wave of protest from within the ranks over the government's plan to overhaul the judiciary. “I expect from the military chief of staff and the heads of the branches of the security services to aggressively combat the refusal to serve. There’s no place for refusal to serve in the public discourse," Netanyahu said, the news agency Associated Press reported.&nbsp;

“A state that wishes to exist can’t tolerate such phenomena and we will not tolerate it as well,” he added. The military did not immediately comment on the prime minister's remarks.&nbsp;

A group of Israelis describing themselves as reservists in elite military and intelligence units said they would not turn up for some duties from Sunday.

In a letter circulated to local media, 450 protesters describing themselves as volunteer reservists from military special forces and another 200 as volunteer reservist offensive cyber operators, including from the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies, said they were now refusing call-ups, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"We have no contract with a dictator. We would be happy to volunteer when the democracy is safeguarded," the letter read.&nbsp;

Speaking to Kan radio a man describing himself as a military intelligence captain taking part in Sunday's reservist protest, said that he and other signatories were deemed volunteers in part because their time commitments exceeded normal quotas for reservists.

"We are not calling for refusing orders. We call for a halt to the volunteering," he said, adding the protest would be suspended in the event of a compulsory wartime call-up, Reuters reported.

Earlier Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi reportedly warned Prime Minister Netanyahu that the reservists’ protest risks harming the military’s capabilities.&nbsp;

For the last two months, Israelis have been protesting against the government's planned judicial overhaul. The government has said the overhaul is meant to correct the imbalance that has given the courts too much power and prevented lawmakers from carrying out the voting public’s will.

On Sunday, Netanyahu said the legal changes would be carried out responsibly while protecting the basic rights of all citizens.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (March 19) asked the country's military’s chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi on Sunday (March 19) to contain a wave of protest from within the ranks over the government's plan to overhaul the judiciary.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (March 19) asked the country's military’s chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi on Sunday (March 19) to contain a wave of protest from within the ranks over the government's plan to overhaul the judiciary. “I expect from the military chief of staff and the heads of the branches of the security services to aggressively combat the refusal to serve. There’s no place for refusal to serve in the public discourse," Netanyahu said, the news agency Associated Press reported. “A state that wishes to exist can’t tolerate such phenomena and we will not tolerate it as well,” he added. The military did not immediately comment on the prime minister's remarks. A group of Israelis describing themselves as reservists in elite military and intelligence units said they would not turn up for some duties from Sunday. In a letter circulated to local media, 450 protesters describing themselves as volunteer reservists from military special forces and another 200 as volunteer reservist offensive cyber operators, including from the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies, said they were now refusing call-ups, the news agency Reuters reported. "We have no contract with a dictator. We would be happy to volunteer when the democracy is safeguarded," the letter read. Speaking to Kan radio a man describing himself as a military intelligence captain taking part in Sunday's reservist protest, said that he and other signatories were deemed volunteers in part because their time commitments exceeded normal quotas for reservists. "We are not calling for refusing orders. We call for a halt to the volunteering," he said, adding the protest would be suspended in the event of a compulsory wartime call-up, Reuters reported. Earlier Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi reportedly warned Prime Minister Netanyahu that the reservists’ protest risks harming the military’s capabilities. For the last two months, Israelis have been protesting against the government's planned judicial overhaul. The government has said the overhaul is meant to correct the imbalance that has given the courts too much power and prevented lawmakers from carrying out the voting public’s will. On Sunday, Netanyahu said the legal changes would be carried out responsibly while protecting the basic rights of all citizens. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel judicial reforms: PM Netanyahu urges military chief to contain reservists’ protest

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution in a special procedure to push an unpopular pension reform bill through the National Assembly without a vote, amid shouts and chants from left-wing lawmakers brandishing placards against the reform.

France protests: PM Borne invokes article 49.3 to skip a vote on reform measure

Israel’s new far-right government’s plan&nbsp;to overhaul its judicial system is facing tough resistance from reserve forces of the country’s military intelligence unit who have announced to halt their volunteer services from coming Sunday.

“The pistol is pressed firmly to the bedrock of democracy, and the trigger will soon be pulled,” the protest organisers wrote in a statement, according to the Times of Israel newspaper.

It comes days ahead of the government’s plans to hold the final Knesset votes on Sunday on legislation that would severely limit courts or lawmakers from removing an unfit prime minister from office.

Organisers of the group, which they claim comprise 450 reservists in special operations and 200 in cyber warfare, say they will “not show up for volunteer reserve service” from next week.

“We don’t have a contract with a dictator. We’ll be happy to resume volunteering when democracy is ensured,” they said in a statement circulated to the media.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition has been advancing proposals that would give politicians the power to appoint all Supreme Court judges, which can entail that a simple parliamentary majority could quash the court’s rulings.

It is believed that the changes would give an upper hand to the prime minister who has been looking to avoid prosecution in his corruption trial, in which he denies all charges.

Supporters of the proposal believe that they are needed to counter a perceived left-wing bias in the court’s decisions, while critics raise an alarm that it will say they will lead to democratic backsliding as seen in Hungary and Turkey.

Separately on Thursday, 100 senior reserve officers in an elite Air Force unit, too, threatened to discontinue their service saying that they won’t be able to work under such a regime.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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Israel’s new far-right government’s plan to overhaul its judicial system is facing tough resistance from reserve forces of the country’s military intelligence unit who have announced to halt their volunteer services from coming Sunday.

Israel’s new far-right government’s plan to overhaul its judicial system is facing tough resistance from reserve forces of the country’s military intelligence unit who have announced to halt their volunteer services from coming Sunday. “The pistol is pressed firmly to the bedrock of democracy, and the trigger will soon be pulled,” the protest organisers wrote in a statement, according to the Times of Israel newspaper. It comes days ahead of the government’s plans to hold the final Knesset votes on Sunday on legislation that would severely limit courts or lawmakers from removing an unfit prime minister from office. Organisers of the group, which they claim comprise 450 reservists in special operations and 200 in cyber warfare, say they will “not show up for volunteer reserve service” from next week. “We don’t have a contract with a dictator. We’ll be happy to resume volunteering when democracy is ensured,” they said in a statement circulated to the media. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition has been advancing proposals that would give politicians the power to appoint all Supreme Court judges, which can entail that a simple parliamentary majority could quash the court’s rulings. It is believed that the changes would give an upper hand to the prime minister who has been looking to avoid prosecution in his corruption trial, in which he denies all charges. Supporters of the proposal believe that they are needed to counter a perceived left-wing bias in the court’s decisions, while critics raise an alarm that it will say they will lead to democratic backsliding as seen in Hungary and Turkey. Separately on Thursday, 100 senior reserve officers in an elite Air Force unit, too, threatened to discontinue their service saying that they won’t be able to work under such a regime. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel’s elite reserve forces threaten to halt volunteer service in protest against legal reforms

Israel has been reeling with chaos over Netanyahu's judicial overhaul. 5% of its population has taken to protest the reforms. President Herzog says that the country is closer to civil war than it seems. Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Will there be a civil war in Israel?

Thousands of Israelis are up in arms against the government plans to give lawmakers more control of the judicial system. On Wednesday, President Isaac Herzog unveiled alternative changes to those plans, however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected that proposal.

Planned judicial overhaul divides Israel, Netanyahu rejects President's proposal

The storm over Israel's planned judicial overhaul has escalated. The protests against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu are intensifying. The situation is so bad that Netanyahu has been forced to delay his visit to Germany. Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: The storm over Israel's planned judicial overhaul

President's proposal will worsen the whole situation : Netanyahu

Protesters against the government’s judicial reform were planning to hold demonstrations in and around Tel aviv airport Wednesday, in an effort to disrupt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s flight to Germany on a state visit.

Protesters to clog airport access as Netanyahu to leave for Germany

The Israeli parliament approved at its first reading on Tuesday morning a bill limiting the Supreme Court’s ability to overturn laws it deems unconstitutional — a key element of a judicial reform package that has fuelled weeks of protests.

We are in a very serious situation : President Isaac Herzog

More than 200-thousand people took to the streets across Israel on Saturday to protest against the laws being pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In Tel Aviv alone, where weekend demonstrations have become customary, more than 160-thousand protesters carrying national flags and banners, marched and chanted slogans denouncing the reforms.

Israel: Clashes erupt during protests against judicial reforms, protesters clash with police

Aerial view shows powerful images from the protests against Benjamin Netanyahu's justice plans

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the United Nations call to suspend the Judicial Reform Plan. The Prime Minister denounced the UN call as 'absurdity'. This after the Israeli lawmakers moved closer towards boosting politicians power over the courts.

Israel judicial reforms row: PM Benjamin Netanyahu slams UN as 'absurd'

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government pushed ahead with the controversial judicial overhaul bill. The Knesset passed the first reading of the bill by a vote of 63-47.

Israel: First reading of Legal Reforms Bill passes by a vote of 63-47

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of attacking a tanker with Israeli links&nbsp;earlier this month. The&nbsp;assault&nbsp;resulted in 'minor' damages to the&nbsp;ship, as reported by AFP.

“On the Iranian front, our efforts are unceasing for the simple reason that Iran’s acts of aggression are unceasing,” Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting.

“Last week, Iran again attacked an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf (region) and struck at the international freedom of navigation,” he said.&nbsp;

On February 10, Campo Square, a Liberian-flagged product tanker, was “hit by an airborne object while in the Arabian Sea, approximately 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers) off the coasts of India and Oman,” according to Eletson, the Greek company that controls the vessel.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-15-killed-after-israeli-missile-strikes-syrian-building-563540">Syria: At least 15 killed as Israeli missile strikes building in Damascus</a>

“Both the vessel and crew are safe and proceeding as per planned passage. There is minor damage to the vessel,” Eletson said in a statement Saturday

A spokesman for Eletson told AFP that Zodiac Maritime, the British shipping company founded and headed by an Israeli, Eyal Ofer, was "linked" to the Liberian company that owns Campos Square.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Death toll climbs 46,000; survivors struggle to rebuild lives

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Netanyahu's remarks come after Syrian state media reported that Israel had hit a Damascus suburb late on Saturday, killing five people and injuring 15, according to the Syrian report.

The strike, according Reuters, was directed at an area in the Syrian capital's Kafar Sousah district, which is adjacent to an enormous and well-guarded security complex and near Iranian sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of attacking a tanker with Israeli links earlier this month. The assault resulted in 'minor' damages to the ship, as reported by AFP.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of attacking a tanker with Israeli links earlier this month. The assault resulted in 'minor' damages to the ship, as reported by AFP. “On the Iranian front, our efforts are unceasing for the simple reason that Iran’s acts of aggression are unceasing,” Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting. “Last week, Iran again attacked an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf (region) and struck at the international freedom of navigation,” he said. On February 10, Campo Square, a Liberian-flagged product tanker, was “hit by an airborne object while in the Arabian Sea, approximately 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers) off the coasts of India and Oman,” according to Eletson, the Greek company that controls the vessel. ALSO READ | Syria: At least 15 killed as Israeli missile strikes building in Damascus “Both the vessel and crew are safe and proceeding as per planned passage. There is minor damage to the vessel,” Eletson said in a statement Saturday A spokesman for Eletson told AFP that Zodiac Maritime, the British shipping company founded and headed by an Israeli, Eyal Ofer, was "linked" to the Liberian company that owns Campos Square. ALSO WATCH | Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Death toll climbs 46,000; survivors struggle to rebuild lives Netanyahu's remarks come after Syrian state media reported that Israel had hit a Damascus suburb late on Saturday, killing five people and injuring 15, according to the Syrian report. The strike, according Reuters, was directed at an area in the Syrian capital's Kafar Sousah district, which is adjacent to an enormous and well-guarded security complex and near Iranian sites. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Benjamin Netanyahu blames Iran for attacking an Israeli-linked tanker

Protests in Israel against the government's contentious judicial reforms are continuing unabated. They have now entered the sixth week and are growing stronger as the government shows no signs of rolling them back.

Israel: Protests enter sixth week, protesters claim Israel's democracy at stake

The United States ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said that Prime Minister Netanyahu should slow down the progress on the controversial judicial overhaul which has sparked protests for weeks.

The United States ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said that Prime Minister Netanyahu should slow down the progress on the controversial judicial overhaul which has sparked protests for weeks. Speaking to the CNN podcast "The Axe Files" on Saturday (February 18), Nides said, "We're telling the Prime Minister, as I tell my kids, pump the brakes, slow down, try to get a consensus, bring the parties together." Nides emphasised that Israel had America's support on security and at the United Nations. ALSO READ | Israeli PM Netanyahu vows action against Palestinian attackers; police seal Jerusalem attacker’s home However, the US envoy also said that Prime Minister Netanyahu's hope of forging diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia or dealing with Iran's nuclear programme was at stake. "The Prime Minister wants to do big things, okay? He tells us he wants to do big things. I said to him, to the prime minister, a hundred times, we can't spend time with things we want to work on together if your backyard's on fire," Nides said during the podcast. 'You pump the breaks': Israeli minister to US envoy Israeli PM Netanyahu did not immediately comment on Tom Nides' remarks but the country's Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli told the US envoy to mind his own business. Speaking to public broadcaster Ken, Chikli said "I tell the American ambassador, you pump the brakes. Mind your own business. You are not sovereign here to discuss judicial reforms. We're happy to discuss diplomatic and security matters with you but respect our democracy," the news agency Reuters reported. The protests in Israel against the government's controversial legal reforms continue. On Saturday night, tens of thousands of protesters returned to the streets to oppose the plan to overhaul the country's court system. They are against the reforms that Prime Minister Netanyahu and his allies hope to pass that would limit the Supreme Court's powers to rule against the legislature and the executive while giving lawmakers decisive powers in appointing judges. Netanyahu said the changes are needed to restore the balance between the government, the Knesset and the judiciary On Saturday, Israel's Justice Minister Yariv Levin told Channel 13 that he was determined to complete the legislation, adding "I don't think it's right to manage a country with threats and dictations from the street." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

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