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Israel rocked by protest over Supreme Court reform

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These reforms would limit the Supreme Court’s power to make rulings on the parliament in a move critics argue will favour conservative and religious groups

Israel’s parliament ratified the first bill of a judicial overhaul sought by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, following the collapse of last-minute compromise efforts to ease a constitutional crisis that had gripped the country for months.

The approved amendment limits the Supreme Court’s powers to void some government decisions if it deems them “unreasonable,” passing with a 64-to-0 vote after opposition lawmakers abandoned the session in protest, exclaiming “For shame!”

The day’s demonstrations began with police forcibly removing protesters who had chained themselves to posts and blocked roads outside the parliament. By evening, thousands had taken to the streets across the country, blocking highways and clashing with police, leading to the arrest of at least 19 people.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a key figure behind the legislative package, portrayed the vote as a “first step” towards creating a more balanced system of government. The broader judicial changes, announced by the government in January after being sworn in, were presented as necessary to address the Supreme Court’s perceived political interventionism and overreach.

However, critics voiced concerns that the amendments would weaken checks on executive authority and potentially lead to abuses of power. The proposed changes sparked months of unprecedented nationwide protests and raised international apprehension about Israel’s democratic integrity.

In response to the vote, a political watchdog group and the centrist opposition leader announced their intention to challenge the law in the Supreme Court.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, addressing the nation on television as protests continued, expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the opposition to reach an all-inclusive agreement by the end of November.

“We all agree that Israel must remain a strong democracy, that it must continue protecting individual rights for everyone, that it will not become a state of (Jewish law), that the courts will remain independent,” said Netanyahu.

U.S. President Joe Biden warned Netanyahu that such drastic changes should be only enacted with broad support, or else risk instability in the country.

The crisis deeply divided Israeli society and even affected the military, with protest leaders warning that thousands of volunteer reservists would not report for duty if the government proceeded with its plans. Former military leaders also raised concerns that Israel’s war-readiness could be compromised.

Protests in Jerusalem saw demonstrators blocking highways, being forcefully removed by police using water cannons and other measures. In Tel Aviv, mounted police tried to disperse crowds, while protesters lit small fires on the main highway.

Outside the city, a disturbing incident occurred when a driver rammed into a small crowd blocking a road, resulting in three people being lightly injured. The driver was later arrested by the police.

Internationally, the White House reiterated its call for Israel’s leaders to seek “as broad a consensus as possible” through political dialogue.

The Knesset’s approval had an immediate economic impact, with Tel Aviv’s main share indices tumbling by up to 2.5%, and the shekel sliding 1% against the dollar.

In response to the controversial amendment, opposition leaders pledged to challenge the change, and the head of the Histadrut labour federation threatened to declare a general strike if the government pursued “unilateral” measures.

The situation remains tense as the country grapples with the aftermath of this significant judicial overhaul and its potential implications for Israeli democracy and stability.

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Trump-Putin call fails to achieve Ukraine cease-fire

Trump and Putin’s call yielded no cease-fire agreement on Ukraine, with both sides urged to continue negotiations.

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Trump and Putin’s call yielded no cease-fire agreement on Ukraine, with both sides urged to continue negotiations.

In Short:
Trump and Putin discussed Ukraine’s conflict for two hours, but Putin refused a cease-fire, complicating U.S. mediation efforts. Despite Zelensky urging Trump for tougher sanctions and commitment, progress in negotiations remains limited.

President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a two-hour phone call on Monday regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Putin declined to agree to an immediate cease-fire, despite pressure from Ukraine and European leaders for the U.S. to remain involved in negotiations.

After the call, Trump suggested that the U.S. might reconsider its role in the peace process, emphasising that a deal must be reached directly between Moscow and Kyiv.

Putin’s refusal to accept a proposed 30-day cease-fire presents ongoing challenges to Trump’s attempts to mediate. Trump expressed hope for productive discussions but did not publicly advocate for tougher sanctions against Russia.

Firm commitment

Ukrainian President Zelensky briefed Trump prior to the call, urging him to secure a firm commitment from Putin. Following the discussion, Zelensky reiterated the need for increased sanctions and continued U.S. involvement to ensure that the situation does not favour Russia.

Putin indicated a willingness to work on a memorandum outlining terms for a potential peace agreement but reiterated demands for significant concessions from Ukraine, including military reductions and NATO policies.

Trump stated that both parties would initiate negotiations aimed at establishing a cease-fire and ending the war. Despite a recent meeting between mid-level officials from both countries, progress remains limited.

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Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer

Joe Biden, 82, diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, confirmed by his team after health scrutiny led to his presidential race withdrawal.

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Joe Biden, 82, diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, confirmed by his team after health scrutiny led to his presidential race withdrawal.


Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. The 82-year-old former U.S. President is now battling cancer that has spread to his bones. Following a medical evaluation, Biden’s team confirmed the high-grade, hormone-sensitive cancer.

This comes after a year of mounting scrutiny over his health, ultimately leading him to withdraw from the presidential race.

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Trump to discuss cease-fire with Putin amid tensions

Trump to speak with Putin after failed peace talks in Istanbul, highlighting Russia’s resistance to cease-fire demands.

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Trump to speak with Putin after failed peace talks in Istanbul, highlighting Russia’s resistance to cease-fire demands.

In Short:
Peace in Ukraine is still uncertain as Russia shows little interest in serious negotiations, intensifying military actions instead. President Trump plans to call Putin to mediate, while European leaders rally support for Ukraine and push for stronger sanctions against Russia.

Peace in Ukraine remains elusive as recent talks in Istanbul revealed Russia’s reluctance to engage in a meaningful deal. President Trump plans a phone call with Putin on Monday, following discussions with Ukrainian President Zelensky and NATO leaders. These conversations come after Ukraine’s leaders showcased their willingness to negotiate, while European allies advised Zelensky on his engagement with Trump.

Putin’s absence from the talks and the choice of low-level representatives suggested a lack of serious intent to negotiate, particularly after rejecting Trump’s cease-fire proposal. As negotiations stalled, Russian military actions intensified, including a drone attack that killed nine civilians in Ukraine.

Putin’s demands for territorial concessions and military restrictions on Ukraine persisted, framing any cease-fire as advantageous only to Ukrainian forces. However, intelligence reports indicate Russia is regrouping for a potential renewed offensive.

European leaders united to support Ukraine, bolstered by a new German leadership willing to impose stricter sanctions on Russia. Their coordinated efforts aimed to showcase Putin’s refusal to engage, putting pressure on Trump to act.

Ultimately, the future of peace talks hinges on Putin’s response to Trump’s mediation efforts and the increasing pressure from European nations advocating for a firmer stance against Russian aggression, especially regarding energy exports. As diplomatic tensions rise, the international community watches closely.

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