Political Crisis in Israel Sparks Nationwide Protests and Strikes.

Protests erupted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister Yoav Gallant over his opposition to a planned judicial overhaul. Gallant had called for a pause in the legislative process, becoming the first member of the cabinet to do so. The proposed changes would give the parliament more control over the judiciary, which critics say would threaten the foundations of Israeli democracy. Universities in Israel will go on strike starting Monday, and the country’s largest labor union and business leaders will hold a news conference. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has urged the government to immediately halt its planned judicial overhaul.