"Israeli political turmoil: National guard plan, fired minister, and judicial reform"

Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, plans to create a new security force, dubbed the national guard, with a budget of one billion shekels and nearly 2,000 officers. The force's mandate and purpose are unclear, raising concerns that it could be used as a personal militia to crush political dissent. Ben Gvir has defended the plan, stating that it will be used to fight crime, especially offenses emanating from the Arab community. The force's funding has already been earmarked, and it is set to move toward government approval after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu green-lit the proposal.