The US administration has come out in support of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s compromise framework over deeply divisive legal reforms being pushed through by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A White House statement released on Thursday said that the US supports Mr Herzog’s “continued efforts to seek a solution consistent with … democratic principles”.
On Wednesday, the Israeli President released his framework, describing it as a “golden path” to prevent “civil war” and “blood in the streets”, as his country goes through one of its most divisive episodes. Opponents of the government's reforms say they could end democracy in Israel.
The reforms are the centrepiece policy of Mr Netanyahu’s new far-right government, which believes the judiciary is too powerful and biased against conservatives.
They advocate measures to allow parliament to strike down legal challenges to laws that politicians propose and more government say in the selection of judges.
In response, mass protests have wracked the country for a 10th consecutive week with an increasing number of figures from Israel’s economic, legal and security establishment stating their opposition to the government plans.
President Herzog's proposed amendments were a bolder challenge to government plans than many had expected.
Mr Netanyahu and members of his government flatly rejected the president’s ideas, which were formed in consultation with a panel of legal experts.
Opposition leaders backed the framework, but described them as “not ideal”.
The US backing of Mr Herzog's plan comes as key Democratic senator Chris Murphy suggested on Thursday that the Biden administration should not rule out conditioning US aid to Israel if the Netanyahu government maintains its “assault” on the two-state solution, a long-standing plan to end conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Mr Murphy told CNN that “if we're going to continue to be in the business of supporting the Israeli government, they have to be in the continuing business of a future Palestinian state ― and that does not seem to be the policy of this government right now”.
He also criticised the Netanyahu government’s judicial proposals, saying they are “fraying the bonds that have connected Israelis together”.
Mr Murphy’s criticism came as Israel launched an operation in Jenin that killed four Palestinians, including two terrorists, amid wider concerns that security in the West Bank is deteriorating.
US pollster Gallup recently reported that 49 per cent of democrats are now more sympathetic towards Palestinians than they are Israelis (38 per cent).
The news of mounting US disquiet comes as Mr Netanyahu concludes a chaotic trip to Germany, which was cut short by the release on Wednesday evening of Mr Herzog’s proposals.
The Prime Minister had stated that he wanted the trip to focus on building a hawkish anti-Iran consensus in Europe but was repeatedly grilled in press conferences about the judicial reforms.
Mr Netanyahu said his plans were to bring Israel “in line with what is common and acceptable in just about every western democracy”.
He said Israel was being “maligned” and that opponents were casting him as a “potentate who's abolishing democracy and all this nonsense. This is absurd, it's preposterous”.
During the trip, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was watching the fighting over the judicial reforms “with great concern”.
While the Prime Minister was in Berlin, Israelis across the country protested on Thursday, blocking motorways and causing disruption, leading to at least 21 arrests, although the police response seemed to be less severe than in previous weeks.
In recent days, a host of former senior Israeli officials have criticised Mr Netanyahu’s judicial plans, including the former head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, who said the reforms could cause the service to “disintegrate from within”.
In recent weeks, an increasing number of Israeli reservists have been expressing disquiet, particularly from elite units. Hundreds who serve in military intelligence recently announced that they will stop turning up for duty from Sunday onwards.
Israel, which maintains a relatively small full-time army, relies heavily on its reserve corps across all military fields.
Member of Mr Netanyahu’s government remain defiant, however. On Wednesday, Israel’s transport minister described Mr Herzog’s proposal as “an insult to the intelligence of the public”.
Five healthy carbs and how to eat them
Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand
Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat
Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar
Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices
Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants
Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique
'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
The%20specs
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Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
RESULTS
5pm: Watha Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
Winner: Dalil De Carrere, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Mohamed Daggash (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Pharitz Al Denari, Bernardo Pinheiro, Mahmood Hussain
6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Oss, Jesus Rosales, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: ES Nahawand, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: AF Almajhaz, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi
8pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: AF Lewaa, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qaiss Aboud.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
