Halt Israel legal reform, urges Defence Minister

Israeli Defence Minister

Yoav Gallant has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt controversial plans for an overhaul of the justice system.

His intervention came as Israelis opposed to the changes held mass rallies across the country for the twelfth week in a row.

Gallant added his voice to warnings the crisis is causing social upheaval and could harm Israel's security.

So far, however, Netanyahu has defied calls to scrap the shake-up.

In a brief televised statement, Gallant described the reform plan as a "clear, immediate and tangible danger to the security of the State".

He said members of the

Israeli Defence Forces were angry and disappointed, with an intensity he had never encountered before.

The law is part of the right-wing Government's contentious plan to limit the powers of the Judiciary, which has led to months of protests.

It includes enabling Parliament to overrule decisions made by the Supreme Court - a move that critics say will undermine the independence of the Judiciary and could be used for political ends.

But Netanyahu says the reforms are designed to stop the courts overreaching their powers and that they were voted for by the public at the last election.

Gallant's remarks were welcomed by Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who praised the Minister's "brave step".

But far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to sack the Defence Minister, saying he had caved in to Opposition pressure.

Separately, a new Incapacitation Law, which passed by 61 votes to 47 in the 120-seat Knesset on Thursday following a heated all-night debate, prevents a Prime Minister from being declared unfit to hold office by the Attorney General.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

CANCER

(June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Things will start piling up if you aren’t savvy. Be ready to make a move, change direction or start anew at the snap of a finger. Know your worth, set high standards and finish what you start.

Get everything in place before you start something new. How you deal with situations will affect what others offer you in return. Channel your energy into doing something good for someone.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Keep your feelings to yourself and concentrate on self-improvement and personal growth. What you experience will help shape what’s to come. Change begins with you; success will follow.

Slow down, look around you and enjoy the simpler side of life. A respite will help you recognize what you want to do next. Don’t let anger consume you when kindness is what counts.

Reach out to friends and family and let the experience enrich you. A look at the possibilities and how to bring about positive change at home and in relationships will improve your life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Say no to anyone trying to take advantage of you. Stick close to home and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Think outside the box, and you’ll come up with stellar solutions.

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