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

For the eleventh week in a row, Israelis demonstrated against the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the proposed judicial reforms. Demonstrations were held in cities all across the country on Saturday as people&nbsp;protested the judicial overhaul they believe would give politicians more control over the judiciary.&nbsp;

The overhaul, which is now making its way through parliament, will constitute a threat to Israeli democracy, the protesters said. Thousands of protesters carried the blue and white Israeli flag as well as the rainbow flag representing the LGBTQ community at Tel Aviv's Dizengoff plaza on Saturday.&nbsp;When they marched through the city's centre, the protesters halted traffic. "Save Democracy!" shouted one poster held up by the mob.

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Over 100 towns and cities, including Haifa, Jerusalem, and Beersheba, saw protests. Netanyahu, who is on trial for a corruption accusation that he denies, has been accused by the reforms' detractors of seeking to use the judicial reforms to thwart any judgements against himself. However, the prime minister refuted all such claims.

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President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday proposed a compromise but it was promptly rejected by the cabinet.&nbsp;

As per Herzog's outline, new Basic Laws, Israel's quasi-constitutional laws, are to be put on hold until the whole outline is put into effect. The plan also calls for no alteration in the roles between the branches, the Attorney-General and legal adviser, and the judiciary.

In a joint press conference on Thursday, the leaders of the opposition parties displayed their support for Herzog's plan. "The offer is not perfect," said former premier Yair Lapid. "It is not what we wanted, but it is a fair compromise that allows us to live together."

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On the other hand, Netanyahu called it a "unilateral compromise" and added that the "key points" of Herzog's outline "only perpetuate the existing situation and do not bring the required balance between the powers".

The ruling coalition, which is made up of extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, claims the reforms are required to address an imbalance of power between elected officials and Israel's highest court. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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For the eleventh week in a row, Israelis demonstrated against the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the proposed judicial reforms. Demonstrations were held in cities all across the country on Saturday as people protested the judicial overhaul they believe would give politicians more control over the judiciary.

For the eleventh week in a row, Israelis demonstrated against the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the proposed judicial reforms. Demonstrations were held in cities all across the country on Saturday as people protested the judicial overhaul they believe would give politicians more control over the judiciary. The overhaul, which is now making its way through parliament, will constitute a threat to Israeli democracy, the protesters said. Thousands of protesters carried the blue and white Israeli flag as well as the rainbow flag representing the LGBTQ community at Tel Aviv's Dizengoff plaza on Saturday. When they marched through the city's centre, the protesters halted traffic. "Save Democracy!" shouted one poster held up by the mob. Also Read | US Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy calls for support against Trump's possible indictment Over 100 towns and cities, including Haifa, Jerusalem, and Beersheba, saw protests. Netanyahu, who is on trial for a corruption accusation that he denies, has been accused by the reforms' detractors of seeking to use the judicial reforms to thwart any judgements against himself. However, the prime minister refuted all such claims. Also Read | Saudi swords, Indian jewellery: Trump failed to disclose $300,000 foreign gifts, says House Democrats' report President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday proposed a compromise but it was promptly rejected by the cabinet. As per Herzog's outline, new Basic Laws, Israel's quasi-constitutional laws, are to be put on hold until the whole outline is put into effect. The plan also calls for no alteration in the roles between the branches, the Attorney-General and legal adviser, and the judiciary. In a joint press conference on Thursday, the leaders of the opposition parties displayed their support for Herzog's plan. "The offer is not perfect," said former premier Yair Lapid. "It is not what we wanted, but it is a fair compromise that allows us to live together." Watch | Mumbai's air pollution: AQI continues to remain poor, Indian city witnesses most polluted winters On the other hand, Netanyahu called it a "unilateral compromise" and added that the "key points" of Herzog's outline "only perpetuate the existing situation and do not bring the required balance between the powers". The ruling coalition, which is made up of extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, claims the reforms are required to address an imbalance of power between elected officials and Israel's highest court. (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.

Protests in Israel continue for 11th week after PM Netanyahu rejects President Herzog’s proposal

Israel is in the throes of possibly its biggest public uprising ever and is over the proposed judicial reforms. Protests over this issue are now in their 10th week with over half a million Israelis protesting on the streets, chanting that Israel will not be a dictatorship.

Israel: Over 200,000 people pack the streets of Tel Aviv

A gunman opened fire in Israel's capital Tel Aviv on Thursday, in what was seen as a suspected terrorist attack. Three people were shot and injured in the attack before the gunman was killed by Israeli police, stated officials.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confirmed that three people were wounded and the gunman was killed by the police.

"A serious attack in Tel Aviv... I congratulate the police officer who, in a courageous act, eliminated the heinous terrorist and saved many lives," said Ben-Gvir in a statement.

Police and medical workers, in large numbers, rushed to Dizengoff street, where the attack was carried out by the gunman. The area was immediately cordoned off. The customers in the streetside restaurant fled from the place mid-meal, as the Reuters footage showed.

"The suspect was killed by police officers," a police statement said. Three people suffered injuries, and one was in serious condition, it added.

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The shooting took place hours after three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank.

The shooting took place on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv which is a popular thoroughfare filled with restaurants and shops.

Netanyahu airlifted amid anti-government protests

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was airlifted on Thursday to reach the main international airport of the country as throngs of protesters and cars blocked his way.

The protests were being carried out nationwide for two months against the government's plan to overhaul the judiciary.

Israel’s figurehead president Isaac Herzog, in an attempt to mediate a compromise between the opposition and allies of Netanyahu, appealed for a solution on Thursday.

WATCH | Israel: Mega protests against proposed judicial reforms rock Tel Aviv

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“What is happening here is a tragedy,” he stated. “It is wrong. It is destructive. It undermines our democratic foundations. History will judge you. Take responsibility, now,” he added.

The protester's “day of resistance to dictatorship” began with crowds gathering at the airport waving Israeli flags and blocking roads with their cars. The protesters also blocked main intersections and engaged in a scuffle with the police in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A gunman opened fire in Israel's capital Tel Aviv on Thursday, in what was seen as a suspected terrorist attack. Three people were shot and injured in the attack before the gunman was killed by Israeli police, stated officials.

A gunman opened fire in Israel's capital Tel Aviv on Thursday, in what was seen as a suspected terrorist attack. Three people were shot and injured in the attack before the gunman was killed by Israeli police, stated officials. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confirmed that three people were wounded and the gunman was killed by the police. "A serious attack in Tel Aviv... I congratulate the police officer who, in a courageous act, eliminated the heinous terrorist and saved many lives," said Ben-Gvir in a statement. Police and medical workers, in large numbers, rushed to Dizengoff street, where the attack was carried out by the gunman. The area was immediately cordoned off. The customers in the streetside restaurant fled from the place mid-meal, as the Reuters footage showed. "The suspect was killed by police officers," a police statement said. Three people suffered injuries, and one was in serious condition, it added. ALSO READ | West Bank violence: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin expresses concern, flags 'inflammatory rhetoric' The shooting took place hours after three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank. The shooting took place on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv which is a popular thoroughfare filled with restaurants and shops. Netanyahu airlifted amid anti-government protests Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was airlifted on Thursday to reach the main international airport of the country as throngs of protesters and cars blocked his way. The protests were being carried out nationwide for two months against the government's plan to overhaul the judiciary. Israel’s figurehead president Isaac Herzog, in an attempt to mediate a compromise between the opposition and allies of Netanyahu, appealed for a solution on Thursday. WATCH | Israel: Mega protests against proposed judicial reforms rock Tel Aviv “What is happening here is a tragedy,” he stated. “It is wrong. It is destructive. It undermines our democratic foundations. History will judge you. Take responsibility, now,” he added. The protester's “day of resistance to dictatorship” began with crowds gathering at the airport waving Israeli flags and blocking roads with their cars. The protesters also blocked main intersections and engaged in a scuffle with the police in Tel Aviv. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Three people shot, injured in suspected 'terrorist attack' in Tel Aviv, gunman killed

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

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Israel against the government's planned judicial overhaul. Multiple Opposition leaders took part in the protests that were organised in cities across Israel.

Israel: Mega protests against proposed judicial reforms rock Tel Aviv

The Israeli army reported on Wednesday (Feb 1) that sirens sounded in southern Israel and a rocket was intercepted from Gaza as tensions between Palestinians and the nation's new ultra-nationalist government grew.

Late on Wednesday afternoon, the city of Sderot and the area around the Gaza Strip both heard sirens, according to a statement from the army. It claimed that Israel's Iron Dome defence system successfully intercepted the projectile.

Locals claimed to have heard explosions. The only confirmed injury, according to Israel's emergency agency, was sustained by a 50-year-old lady who tripped and fell while running to a shelter.

Following a recent uptick in Israeli-Palestinian violence and the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israel saw aerial combat on Wednesday.

People, mostly militants, were killed last week during an Israeli military operation on a militant stronghold in the West Bank city of Jenin. The following day, seven people were killed in a shooting by Palestinians in a Jewish neighbourhood in east Jerusalem. Two Israelis were hurt over the weekend in a separate gunshot in east Jerusalem by a 13-year-old Palestinian.

After the unrest, Israel enacted many punitive measures against the Palestinians, increasing tensions just as Blinken started consulting with authorities.

Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, stated that he will continue to carry out his severe tactics on Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails despite the rocket fire from Gaza. To discuss a solution, he requested an urgent Security Cabinet meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Israeli army reported on Wednesday (Feb 1) that sirens sounded in southern Israel and a rocket was intercepted from Gaza as tensions between Palestinians and the nation's new ultra-nationalist government grew.

The Israeli army reported on Wednesday (Feb 1) that sirens sounded in southern Israel and a rocket was intercepted from Gaza as tensions between Palestinians and the nation's new ultra-nationalist government grew. Late on Wednesday afternoon, the city of Sderot and the area around the Gaza Strip both heard sirens, according to a statement from the army. It claimed that Israel's Iron Dome defence system successfully intercepted the projectile. Locals claimed to have heard explosions. The only confirmed injury, according to Israel's emergency agency, was sustained by a 50-year-old lady who tripped and fell while running to a shelter. Following a recent uptick in Israeli-Palestinian violence and the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israel saw aerial combat on Wednesday. People, mostly militants, were killed last week during an Israeli military operation on a militant stronghold in the West Bank city of Jenin. The following day, seven people were killed in a shooting by Palestinians in a Jewish neighbourhood in east Jerusalem. Two Israelis were hurt over the weekend in a separate gunshot in east Jerusalem by a 13-year-old Palestinian. After the unrest, Israel enacted many punitive measures against the Palestinians, increasing tensions just as Blinken started consulting with authorities. Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, stated that he will continue to carry out his severe tactics on Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails despite the rocket fire from Gaza. To discuss a solution, he requested an urgent Security Cabinet meeting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israeli Army confirms it intercepted rocket fired from Gaza Strip

Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led&nbsp;by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes days&nbsp;after his administration’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled his plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system, which opponents and critics say threaten democracy and freedom.&nbsp;

What is the legal reform plan about?

On Wednesday, the country’s justice minister announced the new government’s long-promised overhaul of the judicial system which is also supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Additionally, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, reported Associated Press.&nbsp;

The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it is the feature of the plan which has garnered controversy and it is the Override Clause which would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court.&nbsp;

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Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government. Currently, the Judicial Appointments Committee includes lawmakers, from both the government and the opposition, and judges and representatives from the Israel Bar Association.

Furthermore, given that Israel does not have a written constitution, the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government remain&nbsp;weak since the ruling government typically holds a majority in the Parliament.&nbsp;

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This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Netanyahu government

The Netanyahu government is said to be the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel’s over seven-decade history. It recently came under fire after its National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque which drew widespread condemnation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-israeli-minister-ben-gvirs-visit-to-al-aqsa-mosque-sparked-outrage-549442">Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage?</a>

Additionally, prior to the government’s swearing-in, the coalition agreements called for legislation that would allow service providers to refuse service on the grounds of religious beliefs which many say would be legalising discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other targeted sections in Israel.&nbsp;

This comes after the incumbent PM Netanyahu won the elections in November and took office last month with his right-wing allies who now hold key ministerial positions in the Israeli government.&nbsp;

What happened at the protests?

The protest was reportedly led by some lawmakers from Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where the local media report citing organisers said that over 10,000 protesters gathered for the rally in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square. According to media reports, protesters waved Israel and LGBTQ+ pride flags and some were seen with a Palestinian flag with placards that read, “The settler government is against me” and “Democracy in danger” and even a banner that read “crime minister”.&nbsp;

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The demonstrators affiliated with&nbsp;Standing Together group and other organisations marched toward the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and held a rally there where leaders gave speeches while others carried out a torchlight march through the city streets, reported the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, others also called for peace and co-existence between Jews and Arab residents of the country.&nbsp;

Several prominent activist groups in the country even warned the government that these reforms would not be passed without unprecedented civil resistance. “This evening, friends, we have built a new democratic camp,” said the CEOs of an NGO, Breaking the Silence, Yael Lotan and Avner Gvaryahu, addressing the protestors on Saturday.&nbsp;

They added, “One that includes Jews and Arabs, men and women, straight people and LGBTQ people, secular and religious, united against one evil government and for the sake of a better future in this place,” reported the local media.&nbsp;

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“Extremists and dangerous actors in the newly established government are already planning how to hurt all of us,” said an activist from NGO Standing Together, reported by the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp; 
 
They added, “How to deepen racial discrimination against Arab citizens, how to cut social budgets, how to discriminate based on gender. We won’t sit home and hold hands and give in to despair and frustration. Where there is struggle, there is also hope. And we will go out and struggle for our home.”

Meanwhile, one of the activist groups called the Black Flag movement which reportedly organised Saturday’s protests called this reform plan a “coup d’état” which will encounter a nation of Israel which is “determined to guard our democracy and will fail.” The group has also vowed to continue the protests next Saturday and said, “Today we are starting the most important journey: A preventative strike against dictatorship.” 
&nbsp;

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The protests on January 7&nbsp;were followed by a rally held by activists from the Darkenu civil society movement, outside Levin’s house on Friday. The group reportedly claims that the High Court served as a “flak jacket” to protect Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers from being brought to the International Criminal Court.&nbsp;

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“The Override Clause and Levin’s moves to weaken the justice system would hurt IDF soldiers, and hurting our soldiers is a red line,” said the group’s CEO and former member of Knesset Rachel Azaria, reported the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp;

The protests on Saturday witnessed the attendance of a number of MKs including Merav Michaeli and Gilad Kariv from the opposition Labor party, Aymen Odeh, chair of the predominantly Arab Hadash-Ta’al alliance, and former vice PM Tzipi Livni who expressed their support for the protesters.&nbsp;

“What energies in the square! Together with thousands of amazing demonstrators we went out to demonstrate and shout in a clear voice - our country cannot be destroyed!” said the Labour party chairperson, Michaeli on Twitter. She added, “We will continue to fight for our democracy.”&nbsp;

Israeli former supreme court president’s grim warning

Former Supreme Court president, Aharon Barak, who is also Israel’s most revered jurist, in multiple TV interviews on Saturday urged the justice minister to review these sweeping reforms. According to a report by Times of Israel, in a grim warning, he said that the proposed plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system will give all the power to the PM, leave citizens with no defence against violation of any and all of their rights, and mark the beginning of the end of the modern state of Israel as we know it.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unsc-stresses-on-al-aqsa-status-quo-israel-palestine-envoy-trade-barbs-at-un-meet-549892">UNSC stresses on Al-Aqsa status quo; Israel, Palestine envoy trade barbs at UN meet</a>

“If putting me to death would put an end to this drastic shake-up…I’d be prepared to go before a firing squad,” he said in the context of his stance and verdicts as a justice from between 1978 and 2006 and the SC president for 11 years. Speaking about his time as a justice the 86-year-old said that he tried not to be overly activist nor overly conservative while delivering verdicts and took into account Israel’s history, Zionism and the country’s security needs and that he was sorry to be depicted as “the enemy of the people”, reported the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

According to the report, Barak also said that he feels like he is obligated to warn the public about the “grave danger” their rights are in and it would not matter if they are, Jew, Arab, ultra-Orthodox, or not ultra-Orthodox. Israeli democracy will be left with one branch of governance which would be the PM.&nbsp;

He also went on to explain that nobody will be protected from the political majority since the Knesset is powerless against the majority coalition, and Israel has no constitution, Bill of Rights, or even a second House, reported the Times of Israel. It will also affect Israel on an international level, Barak said, noting that the High Court has acted as a legal “Iron Dome” ensuring Israel’s democratic functioning, including in its treatment of the Palestinians.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-new-proposals-give-sweeping-power-to-the-israeli-government-549574">Israel's new proposals give sweeping power to the Israeli government</a>

If the High Court is affected by Levin's plans to weaken it, “our chief of staff and government ministers will immediately be arrested when they travel overseas…The leaders of the country will be put on trial in the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” as per Times of Israel.&nbsp;

What has Levin said about the plans?

Subsequently, even the justice minister was also interviewed on Saturday, where he said that while he respects the former top judge, he “does not understand the essence of democracy.” Levin also dismissed the idea of establishing a committee with Barak to compromise on his proposal and said that he would discuss the plan with key members of the parliament and hope that the final legislation is “as close as possible” to the proposed one, said the media report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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He also, in turn, criticised Barak and said he “fundamentally contradicted democracy…all power rests with the judges, and they decide what’s proportionate and reasonable. That’s not democratic.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes days after his administration’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled his plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system, which opponents and critics say threaten democracy and freedom. What is the legal reform plan about? On Wednesday, the country’s justice minister announced the new government’s long-promised overhaul of the judicial system which is also supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Additionally, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, reported Associated Press. The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it is the feature of the plan which has garnered controversy and it is the Override Clause which would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court. ALSO READ | Israel government lays out sweeping court reform plan, setting up showdown with the judiciary Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government. Currently, the Judicial Appointments Committee includes lawmakers, from both the government and the opposition, and judges and representatives from the Israel Bar Association. Furthermore, given that Israel does not have a written constitution, the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government remain weak since the ruling government typically holds a majority in the Parliament. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel. Netanyahu government The Netanyahu government is said to be the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel’s over seven-decade history. It recently came under fire after its National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque which drew widespread condemnation. ALSO READ | Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage? Additionally, prior to the government’s swearing-in, the coalition agreements called for legislation that would allow service providers to refuse service on the grounds of religious beliefs which many say would be legalising discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other targeted sections in Israel. This comes after the incumbent PM Netanyahu won the elections in November and took office last month with his right-wing allies who now hold key ministerial positions in the Israeli government. What happened at the protests? The protest was reportedly led by some lawmakers from Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where the local media report citing organisers said that over 10,000 protesters gathered for the rally in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square. According to media reports, protesters waved Israel and LGBTQ+ pride flags and some were seen with a Palestinian flag with placards that read, “The settler government is against me” and “Democracy in danger” and even a banner that read “crime minister”. ALSO WATCH | Israel's most right-wing coalition and its many challenges The demonstrators affiliated with Standing Together group and other organisations marched toward the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and held a rally there where leaders gave speeches while others carried out a torchlight march through the city streets, reported the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, others also called for peace and co-existence between Jews and Arab residents of the country. Several prominent activist groups in the country even warned the government that these reforms would not be passed without unprecedented civil resistance. “This evening, friends, we have built a new democratic camp,” said the CEOs of an NGO, Breaking the Silence, Yael Lotan and Avner Gvaryahu, addressing the protestors on Saturday. They added, “One that includes Jews and Arabs, men and women, straight people and LGBTQ people, secular and religious, united against one evil government and for the sake of a better future in this place,” reported the local media. ALSO WATCH | New Israeli government approve steps to penalise Palestinians “Extremists and dangerous actors in the newly established government are already planning how to hurt all of us,” said an activist from NGO Standing Together, reported by the Jerusalem Post. They added, “How to deepen racial discrimination against Arab citizens, how to cut social budgets, how to discriminate based on gender. We won’t sit home and hold hands and give in to despair and frustration. Where there is struggle, there is also hope. And we will go out and struggle for our home.” Meanwhile, one of the activist groups called the Black Flag movement which reportedly organised Saturday’s protests called this reform plan a “coup d’état” which will encounter a nation of Israel which is “determined to guard our democracy and will fail.” The group has also vowed to continue the protests next Saturday and said, “Today we are starting the most important journey: A preventative strike against dictatorship.” מפגינים רבים החלו להאסף ברחבת הבימה בתל אביב בהפגנה מגד הרפורמה להחלשת מערכת המשפט וצעדי הממשלה. כיאה לאופוזיציה המפוצלת מהכיכר יצאו שתי צעדות. אחת בהובלת ״עומדים ביחד״ לכיוון המוזיאון ושניה בהובלת ארגונים ואנשים אחרים שתצא בהמשך. בכיכר נמצאים כבר כמה אלפים. עדכונים יהיו כאן >> pic.twitter.com/h05ppvKw6L — Bar Peleg (@bar_peleg) January 7, 2023 × The protests on January 7 were followed by a rally held by activists from the Darkenu civil society movement, outside Levin’s house on Friday. The group reportedly claims that the High Court served as a “flak jacket” to protect Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers from being brought to the International Criminal Court. ALSO READ | Israel slams latest UN vote on Palestine as ‘moral decay’ of the multilateral world body “The Override Clause and Levin’s moves to weaken the justice system would hurt IDF soldiers, and hurting our soldiers is a red line,” said the group’s CEO and former member of Knesset Rachel Azaria, reported the Jerusalem Post. The protests on Saturday witnessed the attendance of a number of MKs including Merav Michaeli and Gilad Kariv from the opposition Labor party, Aymen Odeh, chair of the predominantly Arab Hadash-Ta’al alliance, and former vice PM Tzipi Livni who expressed their support for the protesters. “What energies in the square! Together with thousands of amazing demonstrators we went out to demonstrate and shout in a clear voice - our country cannot be destroyed!” said the Labour party chairperson, Michaeli on Twitter. She added, “We will continue to fight for our democracy.” Israeli former supreme court president’s grim warning Former Supreme Court president, Aharon Barak, who is also Israel’s most revered jurist, in multiple TV interviews on Saturday urged the justice minister to review these sweeping reforms. According to a report by Times of Israel, in a grim warning, he said that the proposed plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system will give all the power to the PM, leave citizens with no defence against violation of any and all of their rights, and mark the beginning of the end of the modern state of Israel as we know it. ALSO WATCH | UNSC stresses on Al-Aqsa status quo; Israel, Palestine envoy trade barbs at UN meet “If putting me to death would put an end to this drastic shake-up…I’d be prepared to go before a firing squad,” he said in the context of his stance and verdicts as a justice from between 1978 and 2006 and the SC president for 11 years. Speaking about his time as a justice the 86-year-old said that he tried not to be overly activist nor overly conservative while delivering verdicts and took into account Israel’s history, Zionism and the country’s security needs and that he was sorry to be depicted as “the enemy of the people”, reported the Times of Israel. According to the report, Barak also said that he feels like he is obligated to warn the public about the “grave danger” their rights are in and it would not matter if they are, Jew, Arab, ultra-Orthodox, or not ultra-Orthodox. Israeli democracy will be left with one branch of governance which would be the PM. He also went on to explain that nobody will be protected from the political majority since the Knesset is powerless against the majority coalition, and Israel has no constitution, Bill of Rights, or even a second House, reported the Times of Israel. It will also affect Israel on an international level, Barak said, noting that the High Court has acted as a legal “Iron Dome” ensuring Israel’s democratic functioning, including in its treatment of the Palestinians. ALSO WATCH | Israel's new proposals give sweeping power to the Israeli government If the High Court is affected by Levin's plans to weaken it, “our chief of staff and government ministers will immediately be arrested when they travel overseas…The leaders of the country will be put on trial in the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” as per Times of Israel. What has Levin said about the plans? Subsequently, even the justice minister was also interviewed on Saturday, where he said that while he respects the former top judge, he “does not understand the essence of democracy.” Levin also dismissed the idea of establishing a committee with Barak to compromise on his proposal and said that he would discuss the plan with key members of the parliament and hope that the final legislation is “as close as possible” to the proposed one, said the media report. ALSO READ | Christian graves vandalised in Jerusalem cemetery, Israeli cops launch probe He also, in turn, criticised Barak and said he “fundamentally contradicted democracy…all power rests with the judges, and they decide what’s proportionate and reasonable. That’s not democratic.” (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.

Explained: Thousands protest in Israel against new government’s proposed legal reforms

Thousand people took to the streets in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government.

Thousands protest new Israeli government's policies on the streets of Tel Aviv

Novak&nbsp;Djokovic, playing a singles tournament for the first time since winning Wimbledon in July, reached the Tel Aviv quarter-finals on Thursday with a straight-sets victory over Spain's Pablo Andujar.

Djokovic&nbsp;eased to a 6-0, 6-3 win over his 115th-ranked opponent in 86 minutes, firing 30 winners and breaking Andujar four times. It was the fewest games&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;has lost in any match this season. He was always in control against his Spanish rival who he has now defeated three times, taking control of the match by winning the first seven games.

"The first match started off in a perfect way for me," said&nbsp;Djokovic, who last played in Israel as a teenager 16 years ago in a Davis Cup tie. "I won seven games in a row and we were fighting in that eighth game (which took over 20 minutes to complete).

"It was one of the longest games I've ever played in my life and I've played many, many games in my life. But credit to Pablo for fighting and playing a great match as well."

Former world number one&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;hasn't played a singles event since capturing a seventh Wimbledon title 10 weeks ago after his refusal to get vaccinated ruled him out of the US Open and the entire American hardcourt swing.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thank-you-roger-federer-reacts-to-virat-kohlis-heartfelt-video-on-his-retirement-520930">'Thank you...' - Roger Federer reacts to Virat Kohli's heartfelt video on his retirement</a>

His only other appearance had been in the Laver Cup team tournament in London last week. It was there that he saw long-time rival Roger Federer retire from the sport. However, the 35-year-old&nbsp;Djokovic, now ranked at seven in the world, insisted on the eve of the Tel Aviv event that retirement was not on his agenda.

"I still want to play tennis even though I achieved pretty much everything that you can achieve in tennis," said&nbsp;Djokovic, whose 21 Grand Slam titles is just one short of Rafael Nadal's men's record of 22. "I still have passion and hunger to play at a highest professional level."

Djokovic, showing no sign of the right wrist trouble which bothered him in London, will face Canada's 149th-ranked Vasek Pospisil in Friday's quarter-finals. The Serb boasts a 5-0 career record over the 32-year-old Canadian. Pospisil reached the last-eight by eliminating Israeli qualifier&nbsp;Edan Leshem&nbsp;6-3, 6-2. France's Arthur Rinderknech&nbsp;saved a match point to clinch a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (9/7) win against third seed&nbsp;Diego Schwartzman.

The world number 58 will next play&nbsp;Roman Safiullin. British qualifier&nbsp;Liam Broady&nbsp;stunned fifth seed&nbsp;Botic van de Zandschulp&nbsp;6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to set up a meeting with second seed&nbsp;Marin Cilic.

Novak Djokovic, playing a singles tournament for the first time since winning Wimbledon in July, reached the Tel Aviv quarter-finals on Thursday with a straight-sets victory over Spain's Pablo Andujar.

Novak Djokovic, playing a singles tournament for the first time since winning Wimbledon in July, reached the Tel Aviv quarter-finals on Thursday with a straight-sets victory over Spain's Pablo Andujar. Djokovic eased to a 6-0, 6-3 win over his 115th-ranked opponent in 86 minutes, firing 30 winners and breaking Andujar four times. It was the fewest games Djokovic has lost in any match this season. He was always in control against his Spanish rival who he has now defeated three times, taking control of the match by winning the first seven games. "The first match started off in a perfect way for me," said Djokovic, who last played in Israel as a teenager 16 years ago in a Davis Cup tie. "I won seven games in a row and we were fighting in that eighth game (which took over 20 minutes to complete). "It was one of the longest games I've ever played in my life and I've played many, many games in my life. But credit to Pablo for fighting and playing a great match as well." Former world number one Djokovic hasn't played a singles event since capturing a seventh Wimbledon title 10 weeks ago after his refusal to get vaccinated ruled him out of the US Open and the entire American hardcourt swing. ALSO READ | 'Thank you...' - Roger Federer reacts to Virat Kohli's heartfelt video on his retirement His only other appearance had been in the Laver Cup team tournament in London last week. It was there that he saw long-time rival Roger Federer retire from the sport. However, the 35-year-old Djokovic, now ranked at seven in the world, insisted on the eve of the Tel Aviv event that retirement was not on his agenda. "I still want to play tennis even though I achieved pretty much everything that you can achieve in tennis," said Djokovic, whose 21 Grand Slam titles is just one short of Rafael Nadal's men's record of 22. "I still have passion and hunger to play at a highest professional level." Djokovic, showing no sign of the right wrist trouble which bothered him in London, will face Canada's 149th-ranked Vasek Pospisil in Friday's quarter-finals. The Serb boasts a 5-0 career record over the 32-year-old Canadian. Pospisil reached the last-eight by eliminating Israeli qualifier Edan Leshem 6-3, 6-2. France's Arthur Rinderknech saved a match point to clinch a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (9/7) win against third seed Diego Schwartzman. The world number 58 will next play Roman Safiullin. British qualifier Liam Broady stunned fifth seed Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to set up a meeting with second seed Marin Cilic.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic makes winning return to ATP action in Tel Aviv

Israel is all set to ban Boeing 747s and similar aircraft with four engines by March next year in a bid to reduce noise and air pollution. Israel's authority said it had already told the companies that they would not be able to land large airplanes at Tel Aviv airport by summer 2023.

WION Business News: Israel to ban Boeing 747s over noise and air pollution concerns

Israel has the largest percentage of vegans per capita globally. Tel Aviv's Freedom Farm promotes veganism to all visitors. The farm is a safe haven for abused and rescued animals.

WION takes you inside Tel Aviv's Freedom Farm | Safe haven for abused & rescued animals

Hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv to protest against rising prices in Israel. Protesters were seen waving placards criticising gas and housing prices.

Israelis protest against rising cost of living, housing prices in Tel Aviv

Hundreds of Israelis protested against inflation in the capital Tel Aviv. The country has been ranked as one of the most expensive places to live. Now the recent global trends have only worsened the pain of the rising cost of living.

Tel Aviv: Protestors wave placards criticising gas & housing prices

Drone package delivery takes off in Israel’s Tel Aviv. The technology is capable of flying several metres. Drones can deliver containers from one place to another. Drones can land at a special mailing distribution facility that automatically intercepts package and distributes it to mailbox. The technology also sends an email to recipient informing them about their delivery. A link would enable recipients to open mailbox when in close proximity.

Israel: Delivery drones in Tel Aviv can automatically intercept packages

Three months into 2022, Israel is on the edge once again, a re-run of 2021 can be seen. Tensions are rising in the west bank, there are recurring attacks in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is in the grip of unrest

Israel-Palestine Tensions: 3 months into 2022, Israel on edge once again

Israeli security forces on Friday captured the terrorist who killed two people in a deadly attack in Tel Aviv after a firefight.

Over eight hours after he carried out the attack, the 28-year-old Palestinian assailant Raad Fathi Zidan Hazzam, who was from Jenin was shot dead near a mosque in Jaffa.

He had ''nationalistic motives for carrying out the attack as per Tev Aviv's Mayor Ron Huldai.

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Chilling video: pedestrians flee the scene of tonight's terror attack in central Tel Aviv, in which at least five people have been wounded, several seriously.<a href="https://t.co/BXclhSk1Wf">pic.twitter.com/BXclhSk1Wf</a>
— Avi Mayer (@AviMayer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AviMayer/status/1512137202293252110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Palestinian Islamist group Hamas welcomed&nbsp;the attack. It controls the Gaza strip and the Islamic Jihad.

"The operation in Dizengoff is a natural response to the crimes of the occupation against the Palestinian people," said Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, ''Everyone who helped him indirectly or directly will pay a price.''

Zaki Heller, the spokesperson of the Magen David Adom emergency service said, "Sixteen people evacuated to hospitals, two dead, four seriously wounded."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, police spokesman Eli Levy said on Channel 13 television, "Don’t leave your homes. Don’t stick your heads out of the window. Stay off your balconies."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-4-killed-several-wounded-in-knife-attack-in-israel-terrorist-shot-dead-reports-464680">Also read |&nbsp;Watch | 4 killed, several wounded in knife attack in Israel; ‘terrorist’ shot dead: Reports</a>

Mark Malfiev, who is being treated at the Ichilov hospital after getting injured, said I saw the window shatter, people suddenly started running, and I felt getting hit in the back."

"I felt a lot of blood. I saw blood," he added.

Condemning the terrorist attack, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said "Washington continues to be in regular contact with our Israeli partners, with whom we stand resolutely in the face of senseless terrorism and violence."

US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides tweeted, "Horrified to see another cowardly terror attack on innocent civilians, this time in Tel Aviv. Praying for peace, and sending condolences to the victims and their families. This has to stop!"

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Horrified to see another cowardly terror attack on innocent civilians, this time in Tel Aviv. Praying for peace, and sending condolences to the victims and their families. This has to stop!
— Ambassador Tom Nides (@USAmbIsrael) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIsrael/status/1512146819370917897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli security forces on Friday captured the terrorist who killed two people in a deadly attack in Tel Aviv after a firefight. Over eight hours after he carried out the attack, the 28-year-old Palestinian assailant Raad Fathi Zidan Hazzam, who was from Jenin was shot dead near a mosque in Jaffa.

Israeli security forces on Friday captured the terrorist who killed two people in a deadly attack in Tel Aviv after a firefight. Over eight hours after he carried out the attack, the 28-year-old Palestinian assailant Raad Fathi Zidan Hazzam, who was from Jenin was shot dead near a mosque in Jaffa. He had ''nationalistic motives for carrying out the attack as per Tev Aviv's Mayor Ron Huldai. Chilling video: pedestrians flee the scene of tonight's terror attack in central Tel Aviv, in which at least five people have been wounded, several seriously.pic.twitter.com/BXclhSk1Wf — Avi Mayer (@AviMayer) April 7, 2022 × Palestinian Islamist group Hamas welcomed the attack. It controls the Gaza strip and the Islamic Jihad. "The operation in Dizengoff is a natural response to the crimes of the occupation against the Palestinian people," said Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, ''Everyone who helped him indirectly or directly will pay a price.'' Zaki Heller, the spokesperson of the Magen David Adom emergency service said, "Sixteen people evacuated to hospitals, two dead, four seriously wounded." Meanwhile, police spokesman Eli Levy said on Channel 13 television, "Don’t leave your homes. Don’t stick your heads out of the window. Stay off your balconies." Also read | Watch | 4 killed, several wounded in knife attack in Israel; ‘terrorist’ shot dead: Reports Mark Malfiev, who is being treated at the Ichilov hospital after getting injured, said I saw the window shatter, people suddenly started running, and I felt getting hit in the back." "I felt a lot of blood. I saw blood," he added. Condemning the terrorist attack, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said "Washington continues to be in regular contact with our Israeli partners, with whom we stand resolutely in the face of senseless terrorism and violence." US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides tweeted, "Horrified to see another cowardly terror attack on innocent civilians, this time in Tel Aviv. Praying for peace, and sending condolences to the victims and their families. This has to stop!" Horrified to see another cowardly terror attack on innocent civilians, this time in Tel Aviv. Praying for peace, and sending condolences to the victims and their families. This has to stop! — Ambassador Tom Nides (@USAmbIsrael) April 7, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Israeli forces capture and kill Tel Aviv terrorist after firefight

11 Israeli citizens were killed in 3 separate terrorist attacks over 8 days. What explains this new wave of violence in Israel? How does Naftali Bennett plan to respond? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Israel PM asks citizens to arm themselves

US airlines seems to be going through a rough phase nowadays. After the tormenting 5G services rollout, some flights of different airlines have been forced to turn around mid-flight in last some days due to unruly passengers. &nbsp;

In the latest incident, a United Airlines flight, which was heading towards Tel Aviv, was forced to turn around midway on Thursday evening. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The passengers had clashed with cabin crew after allegedly refusing to prove they had tickets to sit in business class seats, reported Hebrew media on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stray-bullet-causes-havoc-in-us-claims-life-of-uk-traveller-lying-in-bed-find-out-what-happened-446645" hreflang="en">Stray bullet causes havoc in US, claims life of UK traveller lying in bed. Find out what happened?</a>

In last two days, this is the second flight, which returned to its departure point due to poor behaviour of passengers. &nbsp;

In a statement, United Airlines said, “United flight 90 departed for Tel Aviv from Newark Liberty International Airport and returned to Newark nearly three hours later due to disruptive passengers on board. Law enforcement officials met the aircraft upon landing." &nbsp;

The Port Authority Police Department responded to the incident. "No charges by PAPD were issued, no further incident or reported injuries," a spokesperson of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey told CNN. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-notebook-brian-laundrie-took-responsibility-for-gabby-petitos-death-in-us-says-fbi-446606" hreflang="en">In notebook, Brian Laundrie took responsibility for Gabby Petito’s death in US, says FBI</a>

The flight, which had 123 passengers and 11 crew members, was canceled. It was operating on a Boeing 787-10. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Our team at New York/Newark have provided our customers with meal vouchers and hotel accommodation and have made arrangements for customers to complete their journeys," the airlines added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US airlines seems to be going through a rough phase nowadays. After the tormenting 5G services rollout, some flights of different airlines have been forced to turn around mid-flight in last some days due to unruly passengers.

US airlines seems to be going through a rough phase nowadays. After the tormenting 5G services rollout, some flights of different airlines have been forced to turn around mid-flight in last some days due to unruly passengers. In the latest incident, a United Airlines flight, which was heading towards Tel Aviv, was forced to turn around midway on Thursday evening. The passengers had clashed with cabin crew after allegedly refusing to prove they had tickets to sit in business class seats, reported Hebrew media on Friday. Also Read: Stray bullet causes havoc in US, claims life of UK traveller lying in bed. Find out what happened? In last two days, this is the second flight, which returned to its departure point due to poor behaviour of passengers. In a statement, United Airlines said, “United flight 90 departed for Tel Aviv from Newark Liberty International Airport and returned to Newark nearly three hours later due to disruptive passengers on board. Law enforcement officials met the aircraft upon landing." The Port Authority Police Department responded to the incident. "No charges by PAPD were issued, no further incident or reported injuries," a spokesperson of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey told CNN. Also Read: In notebook, Brian Laundrie took responsibility for Gabby Petito’s death in US, says FBI The flight, which had 123 passengers and 11 crew members, was canceled. It was operating on a Boeing 787-10. "Our team at New York/Newark have provided our customers with meal vouchers and hotel accommodation and have made arrangements for customers to complete their journeys," the airlines added. (With inputs from agencies)

Unruly passengers force US plane bound for Tel Aviv to turn around mid-flight. What triggered it?

World's most expensive city to live in revealed - and it is not Paris or Singapore

Tel Aviv is now the World's most-expensive city. A can of beer in the city costs $3, a small apartment can cost upwards of $1,200 a month. Is the city worth its price tag? Or Does cost of living have nothing to do with quality of living? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Tel Aviv is the World's most expensive city

Scientists have discovered a new lie detector that can read facial muscles that people won't even know they are using.

The study, conducted by the researchers at Tel Aviv University, has been in 'Brain and Behaviour.'

It was conducted on the basis of micro-expressions that vanish in 40 to 60 milliseconds due to which accuracy and speed played a key role.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-look-to-recycle-dangerous-space-junk-into-rocket-fuel-in-earths-orbit-430648" hreflang="en">Experts look to recycle dangerous space junk into rocket fuel in Earth's orbit</a>

According to behavioral neuroscientist Dino Levy, ''it's not perfect, but much better than any existing [facial recognition] technology.''

''Since this was an initial study, the lie itself was very simple,'' he added.

Researchers tested the give-away indicators on 48 participants during which people had tells such twitching of eyebrows or cheek muscles.

''We successfully detected lies in all the participants and did so significantly better than untrained human detectors,'' explains Levy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-advertisers-promoted-false-claims-about-climate-change-during-cop26-summit-430321" hreflang="en">Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit</a>

''Interestingly, individuals who were able to successfully deceive their human counterparts were also poorly detected by the machine-learning algorithm,'' he added.

The lie detector was driven by artificial intelligence and hopes to bring more transparency. It can also be used to ramp up border security.

Researchers believe it could make its way into the private sector, for example, to screen insurance claims or job applicants.

They usually face criticism from human rights groups that question the technology’s ability to accurately assess people’s intentions and its potential for discrimination. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have discovered a new lie detector that can read facial muscles that people won't even know they are using. The study, conducted by the researchers at Tel Aviv University, has been in 'Brain and Behaviour.

Scientists have discovered a new lie detector that can read facial muscles that people won't even know they are using. The study, conducted by the researchers at Tel Aviv University, has been in 'Brain and Behaviour.' It was conducted on the basis of micro-expressions that vanish in 40 to 60 milliseconds due to which accuracy and speed played a key role. Also read | Experts look to recycle dangerous space junk into rocket fuel in Earth's orbit According to behavioral neuroscientist Dino Levy, ''it's not perfect, but much better than any existing [facial recognition] technology.'' ''Since this was an initial study, the lie itself was very simple,'' he added. Researchers tested the give-away indicators on 48 participants during which people had tells such twitching of eyebrows or cheek muscles. ''We successfully detected lies in all the participants and did so significantly better than untrained human detectors,'' explains Levy. Also read | Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit ''Interestingly, individuals who were able to successfully deceive their human counterparts were also poorly detected by the machine-learning algorithm,'' he added. The lie detector was driven by artificial intelligence and hopes to bring more transparency. It can also be used to ramp up border security. Researchers believe it could make its way into the private sector, for example, to screen insurance claims or job applicants. They usually face criticism from human rights groups that question the technology’s ability to accurately assess people’s intentions and its potential for discrimination. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover lie detector that uses artificial intelligence to detect micro-expressions

Scientists said on Thursday (June 24) they had discovered a previously unknown kind of early human after studying pieces of fossilised bone dug up in a site used by a cement plant in central Israel.

Meet Nesher Ramla Homo, a new type of early human discovered in Israel

After a year of intense medical care, doctors and nurses celebrated the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in Israel Tuesday with a concert in the lobby of Ichilov hospital at Tel Aviv's Sourasky Medical Center.

Tel Aviv hospital celebrates lifting of COVID-19 restrictions

Thousands are rallying in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, calling for coexistence between Jews and Arabs.&nbsp;

The demonstration on Saturday night was one of several held across Israel to call for peace between Israelis and Palestinians in the wake of 11 days of fighting in Gaza that ended with a cease-fire early on Friday.&nbsp;

Demonstrators marched through the city and later gathered in the central&nbsp;Habima&nbsp;Square to hear from politicians and artists.&nbsp;

Ayman Odeh, the leader of the main Arab party in parliament, called for a Palestinian state to be established alongside Israel. Odeh said:&nbsp;"There are two peoples here. Both deserve the right to self-determination."&nbsp;

Israeli author David Grossman said that the battle today is not between Arabs and Jews, but between those on both sides,&nbsp;who strive to live in peace and in a fair partnership, and those on both sides,&nbsp;who are fed by hatred and violence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands are rallying in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, calling for coexistence between Jews and Arabs. The demonstration on Saturday night was one of several held across Israel to call for peace between Israelis and Palestinians in the wake of 11 days of fighting in Gaza that ended with a cease-fire early on Friday.

Thousands are rallying in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, calling for coexistence between Jews and Arabs. The demonstration on Saturday night was one of several held across Israel to call for peace between Israelis and Palestinians in the wake of 11 days of fighting in Gaza that ended with a cease-fire early on Friday. Demonstrators marched through the city and later gathered in the central Habima Square to hear from politicians and artists. Ayman Odeh, the leader of the main Arab party in parliament, called for a Palestinian state to be established alongside Israel. Odeh said: "There are two peoples here. Both deserve the right to self-determination." Israeli author David Grossman said that the battle today is not between Arabs and Jews, but between those on both sides, who strive to live in peace and in a fair partnership, and those on both sides, who are fed by hatred and violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Tel Aviv rally calls for Jewish-Arab coexistence 

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza.

Moving to head off further violence in&nbsp;Lod, which has also seen assaults by Jews on Arab passersby, police declared a night-time curfew and deployed heavily armed reinforcements.

In several other areas populated by Israel's 21 per cent Arab minority, Palestinian flags adorned electricity poles and hundreds of residents have turned out for protests, sometimes clashing with police or Jewish residents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/35-killed-in-gaza-5-in-israel-as-violence-escalates-384412">35 killed in Gaza, 5 in Israel, as violence escalates&nbsp;</a>

"We have lost control of the city and the streets,"&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;Mayor Yair Revivo told Channel 12 News after nightly confrontations in which an Arab townsman was shot dead, a killing in which two Jewish suspects have been arrested.

Scores of other people have been arrested in&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and in majority-Arab towns in central and northern Israel, including Umm al-Fahm along the West Bank border and Jisr al-Zarqa on the Mediterranean coast, police said.

In&nbsp;Lod, men carried Torah scrolls through the blackened and debris-strewn yard of the torched synagogue. President Reuven Rivlin described events in terms of recalling anti-Semitism abroad.

"The sight of the pogrom in&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob ... is unforgivable," he said, calling the flying of the Palestinian flag by protesters "a brutal assault on shared existence".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-woman-killed-in-israel-was-struck-by-rocket-strike-during-a-video-call-with-husband-384415">Indian woman killed in Israel was struck by rocket strike during a video call with husband</a>

Israel's Arab minority - Palestinian by heritage, Israeli by citizenship - is mostly descended from the Palestinians who lived under Ottoman and then British colonial rule before staying in Israel after the country’s 1948 creation.

Most are bilingual in Arabic and Hebrew and feel a sense of kinship with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They often complain of systemic discrimination, unfair access to housing, healthcare, and education services.

Tension in Arab-Jewish towns has risen as Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza and Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel in an escalation of violence since clashes in East Jerusalem on Monday morning.

Ibrahim, an Arab councillor with the&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;municipality, said: "What is happening now is (an) uprising that is going on (in) cities like Ramle,&nbsp;Lod, Jaffa, Acre and Haifa," calling events in Gaza and Jerusalem a "red line" for Arabs.

In the coastal city of Acre, Uri Buri, a Jewish-owned fish restaurant, was set fire to and some Arab residents said they were scared to leave home.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-violence-escalates-49-palestinians-6-israelis-killed-384595/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, Arab protesters clashed with police firing stun grenades to disperse them.

"We condemn that our people's solidarity and cohesion with our brethren in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip is being channelled through acts of sabotage to public and private property, as is now happening at Umm al-Fahm's entrance," said Samir Mahamid, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm.

Neighbourhoods with Arab residents, including&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and Jaffa, were among those where sirens were triggered by rocket fire. An Arab resident of&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and his daughter were killed on Wednesday when a vehicle was hit by a rocket, Israeli authorities said.

In Haifa and Jaffa, and in the Arab city of Nazareth, protesters have chanted slogans in support of Palestinians facing eviction from an East Jerusalem neighbourhood under a long-running legal case.

Arab citizens of Israel were among the thousands of protesters who have faced off in recent days with Israeli police near Al-Aqsa mosque and elsewhere in Jerusalem's Old City.

A spokesman for the Hamas Islamist militant group in Gaza encouraged Arab citizens to "rise up" against "our enemy and yours".

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza.

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza. Moving to head off further violence in Lod, which has also seen assaults by Jews on Arab passersby, police declared a night-time curfew and deployed heavily armed reinforcements. In several other areas populated by Israel's 21 per cent Arab minority, Palestinian flags adorned electricity poles and hundreds of residents have turned out for protests, sometimes clashing with police or Jewish residents. Also read | 35 killed in Gaza, 5 in Israel, as violence escalates "We have lost control of the city and the streets," Lod Mayor Yair Revivo told Channel 12 News after nightly confrontations in which an Arab townsman was shot dead, a killing in which two Jewish suspects have been arrested. Scores of other people have been arrested in Lod and in majority-Arab towns in central and northern Israel, including Umm al-Fahm along the West Bank border and Jisr al-Zarqa on the Mediterranean coast, police said. In Lod, men carried Torah scrolls through the blackened and debris-strewn yard of the torched synagogue. President Reuven Rivlin described events in terms of recalling anti-Semitism abroad. "The sight of the pogrom in Lod and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob ... is unforgivable," he said, calling the flying of the Palestinian flag by protesters "a brutal assault on shared existence". Also read | Indian woman killed in Israel was struck by rocket strike during a video call with husband Israel's Arab minority - Palestinian by heritage, Israeli by citizenship - is mostly descended from the Palestinians who lived under Ottoman and then British colonial rule before staying in Israel after the country’s 1948 creation. Most are bilingual in Arabic and Hebrew and feel a sense of kinship with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They often complain of systemic discrimination, unfair access to housing, healthcare, and education services. Tension in Arab-Jewish towns has risen as Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza and Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel in an escalation of violence since clashes in East Jerusalem on Monday morning. Ibrahim, an Arab councillor with the Lod municipality, said: "What is happening now is (an) uprising that is going on (in) cities like Ramle, Lod, Jaffa, Acre and Haifa," calling events in Gaza and Jerusalem a "red line" for Arabs. In the coastal city of Acre, Uri Buri, a Jewish-owned fish restaurant, was set fire to and some Arab residents said they were scared to leave home. In Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, Arab protesters clashed with police firing stun grenades to disperse them. "We condemn that our people's solidarity and cohesion with our brethren in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip is being channelled through acts of sabotage to public and private property, as is now happening at Umm al-Fahm's entrance," said Samir Mahamid, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm. Neighbourhoods with Arab residents, including Lod and Jaffa, were among those where sirens were triggered by rocket fire. An Arab resident of Lod and his daughter were killed on Wednesday when a vehicle was hit by a rocket, Israeli authorities said. In Haifa and Jaffa, and in the Arab city of Nazareth, protesters have chanted slogans in support of Palestinians facing eviction from an East Jerusalem neighbourhood under a long-running legal case. Arab citizens of Israel were among the thousands of protesters who have faced off in recent days with Israeli police near Al-Aqsa mosque and elsewhere in Jerusalem's Old City. A spokesman for the Hamas Islamist militant group in Gaza encouraged Arab citizens to "rise up" against "our enemy and yours".

Israel declares curfew in city of Lod, an Arab-Jewish town hit by violence

Israel's Tel Aviv has an app called "Safe Up" which is built to help women in distress. Neta Schreiber has developed the app in the region.

Israel: App developed to help women in distress in Tel Aviv

The first United Arab Emirates ambassador to Israel arrived there on ‮M‬onday pledging to build up new bilateral relations and officials said he would scout for an embassy location in the Tel Aviv area.

Mohamed Al Khaja, former chief of staff to the UAE foreign minister, was due to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the start of a three-day visit.

Meeting Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Jerusalem, Al Khaja, 40, said he was "very proud and honoured to be the first Emirati ambassador" to Israel, where, he said, he and his hosts were discussing "the model of how we operate".

"My mission here is to foster and develop this relationship...and we hope this will bring peace and prosperity to the people in the Middle East," he said.

The UAE and Israel formalised ties in a Washington ceremony on Sept. 15, brought together by shared concern about Iran.

Their so-called "Abraham Accords", joined by Bahrain, have uncorked tourism and commerce between Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Palestinians have been critical of the rapprochement, worried that their own unmet statehood goal might be sidelined.

Israel opened an embassy in Abu Dhabi in January. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital but this is not widely recognised abroad. The Palestinians want their own capital in the east of the city, which Israel captured in a 1967 war.

The UAE would follow Jordan and Egypt in setting up an embassy in or near coastal metropolis Tel Aviv.

According to the UAE Foreign Ministry, Al Khalja has experience in the energy, disarmament, business development and oil investment sectors.

The first United Arab Emirates ambassador to Israel arrived there on ‮M‬onday pledging to build up new bilateral relations and officials said he would scout for an embassy location in the Tel Aviv area.

The first United Arab Emirates ambassador to Israel arrived there on ‮M‬onday pledging to build up new bilateral relations and officials said he would scout for an embassy location in the Tel Aviv area. Mohamed Al Khaja, former chief of staff to the UAE foreign minister, was due to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the start of a three-day visit. Meeting Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Jerusalem, Al Khaja, 40, said he was "very proud and honoured to be the first Emirati ambassador" to Israel, where, he said, he and his hosts were discussing "the model of how we operate". "My mission here is to foster and develop this relationship...and we hope this will bring peace and prosperity to the people in the Middle East," he said. The UAE and Israel formalised ties in a Washington ceremony on Sept. 15, brought together by shared concern about Iran. Their so-called "Abraham Accords", joined by Bahrain, have uncorked tourism and commerce between Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Palestinians have been critical of the rapprochement, worried that their own unmet statehood goal might be sidelined. Israel opened an embassy in Abu Dhabi in January. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital but this is not widely recognised abroad. The Palestinians want their own capital in the east of the city, which Israel captured in a 1967 war. The UAE would follow Jordan and Egypt in setting up an embassy in or near coastal metropolis Tel Aviv. According to the UAE Foreign Ministry, Al Khalja has experience in the energy, disarmament, business development and oil investment sectors.

First UAE ambassador arrives in Israel, eyes Tel Aviv embassy

The flight from Tel Aviv to Rabat is seen as highly symbolic after Morocco announced on December 10 a "resumption of relations" with Israel.

Jared Kushner to lead first direct flight from Israel to Morocco

WION Dispatch: First flight from Tel Aviv to Moroccan capital Rabat, passengers include Jared Kushner

Morocco, Israel to seal normalization with first direct flight

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