Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced intense criticism and protests as he defended the parliament's vote for a crucial clause in the government's controversial judicial reform package.
Amidst ongoing demonstrations and international concern, Netanyahu justified the move as a "necessary democratic step," highlighting the need to empower the elected government and align policies with the majority of citizens, reported AFP.
Israel has recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara and is considering opening a consulate there, the Moroccan government said on Monday.
A statement from Morocco's royal palace said that King Mohammed VI received a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who supported the country’s claim over the disputed territory.
France's leading TV news channel has suspended one of its most senior journalists who is accused of planting multiple stories on his show at the behest of an Israeli disinformation unit. Rachid M’Barki, an anchor at BFMTV since its launch in 2005, was suspended last month even as an internal inquiry into multiple stories broadcast on his show, Le journal de la nuit, is underway.
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.
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.