Courts and the law

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Analysis

As envoys recalled, what's driving Israel-South Africa rupture?

South Africa has expelled the Israeli charge d'affaires, deepening the diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

A member of the Alawite community pastes on a wall, in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli , on December 6, 2007, pictures of Syrian opposition leader Rifaat al-Assad (R) and his son Ribal.

Rifaat al-Assad, perpetrator of Syria's 1982 Hama massacre, dies at 88

Known for his role in the 1982 Hama massacre, the late member of Syria’s former ruling family oversaw the killing of tens of thousands of civilians.

Pedestrians make their way along a path at Tehran Grand Bazaar, on Jan. 18, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Iran blackout enters 12th day as filtered internet reveals crackdown

Nearly 4,000 people have been killed in the protests in Iran, as videos emerging amid limited access to internet show the scale of the crackdown launched by security forces.

People cross a street next to a billboard bearing the portrait of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a quote that reads "Sing Oh Iran" in Tehran on July, 9, 2025.

IRGC to Majlis: Who are central players in Iran's regime?

Iran’s political system concentrates ultimate authority in the supreme leader and a network of loyal institutions.

Latest News

Erdogan denies Turkey informed of US exile offer for Maduro prior to capture

ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images

Europe’s top court moves to fast-track Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala's case: What to know

Omer Messinger/Getty Images

Senate vote paves way for Trump to repeal Syria’s Caesar sanctions

People shop in a market on June 17, 2025 in Damascus, Syria.

Analysis

Trump's Syria envoy Barrack tests Israel's patience as Netanyahu pushes back

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets with US special envoy Tom Barrack, Jerusalem, Dec. 15 2

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Zoom wedding

Culture

Israelis Zoom to Utah in search of civil marriage

Since civil marriage does not exist in Israel, mixed-faith couples and people who do not want a religious marriage are now opting for online weddings performed in the US state of Utah.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Israel to provide Ukraine with anti-drone systems, as Netanyahu visits Germany

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone on the offensive, arguing in Berlin that his judicial reform will strengthen Israeli democracy, not weaken it.

Demonstrators confront Israeli mounted policemen during a rally against the government's controversial judicial overhaul bill in Tel Aviv on March 16, 2023. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Israelis block roads as Netanyahu rejects judicial overhaul compromise

Rallies across Israel continue for the 10th week in a row against the government’s judicial overhaul plan, after the coalition rejected a compromise suggested by the president.

Julia Nikhinson/Getty Images

Analysis

Former IDF commanders in Washington to appeal to Biden on Israel’s judicial overhaul

As the Israeli government fast-tracks its judicial overhaul plans, former IDF officers are hoping that pressure by the Biden administration could derail them before it's too late.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israelis protest against the government's controversial judicial reform bill, in front of the residence of Justice Minister Yariv Levin, in the central city of Modiin, on March 9, 2022. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP) (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Israeli FM slams Europe for 'interfering' in judicial overhaul

Ahead of a debate at the European Parliament on Israel’s judicial overhaul, Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen accused EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrel of interfering in Israel’s internal affairs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir react after sworn in at the Israeli parliament during a new government sworn in discussion at the Israeli parliament on December 29, 2022

Ignoring protests, Israeli Knesset advances Netanyahu's judicial overhaul

Three major elements of the government’s judicial overhaul plan were approved at first Knesset readings, with second and third readings expected in the coming days.

Protesters gathered outside Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington to condemn Smotrich visit.

Protests in Washington against Israel's far-right minister Smotrich

The State Department agreed to offer a diplomatic visa, but senior officials refused to meet with Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on his visit to Washington.

ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Shunned by Washington, Israel's Netanyahu seeks alliances in Rome

Waiting to be invited to the White House, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting one European capital after another.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu give a statement after their meeting at the prime minister's office, Jerusalem, April 12, 2021.

Analysis

Tensions in West Bank threaten Israel-US intelligence cooperation

Top US Gen. Milley delivered "unprecedented message" to Israeli officials, warning that internal chaos and growing tensions in the West Bank could endanger the country’s strategic relations with the United States.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israeli forces disperse a protest against the government's controversial judicial reform bill in Tel Aviv on March 9, 2023. (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Protesters in Israel block roads, Haifa marine port on 'Day of Disruption'

Thousands of people are protesting against the government’s judicial overhaul plan, blocking highways, Haifa port and entrances to airport terminals.

Rally in Jerusalem, Feb. 25 2023 Credit: Tal Kfir Shor

Handmaid's Tale inspires Israeli women battling religious coercion

Hundreds of women clad in red cloaks and sporting white bonnets have been appearing in the past few weeks in several of the anti-judicial overhaul, pro-democracy demonstrations across the country.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men bake Matzoth (unleavened bread) at a bakery in the central Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, on April 11, 2022. Religious Jews eat Matzoth during Pesach holiday (Passover). According to biblical narrative, due to the haste with which the Jews left the land of Egypt, the bread prepared for the journey did not have time to rise. To commemorate their ancestors' plight, religious Jews do not eat leavened food products throughout Passover. MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox seek to prohibit Passover non-Kosher food in hospitals

Back in the coalition and in greater force, ultra-Orthodox parliamentarians exploit their political clout to advance religious legislation.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics