The memo, shared with Netanyahu, the defense minister and other high-ranking officials, warns that Israel’s dangerous downward strategic posture can be attributed to several factors, with the main one being the weakness Israel’s enemies have sensed due to the internal chasm over the judicial reform.
The initiative was jump-started last week when Netanyahu agreed to bring Ben-Gvir's national guard for cabinet approval after the security minister backed his pause of a judicial overhaul proposal that had triggered nationwide street protests.
“We are exacting a high price from the regimes that support terror outside Israel’s borders,” PM Netanyahu said just hours before the incident. Officials said it was possible the provocation was part of Iran's effort to exact revenge for alleged Israeli attacks on its forces in Syria.
Christians celebrated Palm Sunday in Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week.
The video, published on social media, caused a strong reaction, with Israel Police Chief Yaakov Shabtai on Sunday ordering Tel Aviv District Chief Ami Eshed to investigate the incident.
Gallant – whose criticism of the Netanyahu-led government's planned judicial reform led to his dismissal – was still on the job, apparently in limbo.
According to reports, some 450,000 demonstrators joined various protests in Tel Aviv and elsewhere in Israel. Earlier, organizers said protests were planned in 150 locations across the country.
"The fact that supporters of the government, who would typically be thought of as the silent majority, are coming out to the streets is a real show of support for the reforms," attorney and political commentator Daniel Tauber says.
Eli Cohen speaks with Sen. Lindsey Graham, noting the need for "broad national consensus." Following the Israel Hayom report, Cohen issues statement stressing that "there is dialogue aimed at reaching an agreement, but we are in any case committed to passing the reform to strengthen Israel's democracy."
Ofek 13 is an observation satellite with advanced capabilities. Once it enters the orbit, it will undergo a “series of tests to ensure its propriety and performance levels,” the Defense Ministry says.