Political situation in Israel

Protests in Tel Aviv. Ariel Schalit / AP  

 

Political situation in Israel

New major protests in Israel: "A blow to our country" 

 

Tens of thousands of people around Israel took to the streets again on Saturday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's legal reform, AFP reports. 

 

- This is a blow to our country, we want to preserve Israel democratically. Dictatorship laws will not pass here, says protester Nili Elezra in Tel Aviv. 

 

Earlier this week, the government gave the green light to an important part of the new law, which breathed new life into the protests, AP writes. Before the proposal becomes law, two more votes are required, which are expected to take place at the end of this month.  

 

Benjamin Netanyahu. Abir Sultan / AP 

 

Netanyahu after the visit to the hospital: "Drink water" 

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces on Saturday evening that he is doing "very well" after being urgently admitted to hospital earlier in the day, writes AFP. Netanyahu's office states that he is likely to have suffered from a lack of fluids after being outside all Friday, while there is a heat wave.  

 

In a video message from the hospital, Netanyahu himself says he was on the beach with his wife "in the sun, without a hat, without water." 

 

- Not a good idea, states the Prime Minister, and goes on to urge the Israelis to avoid the sun and drink plenty of water.  

 

The Jerusalem Post writes that Netanyahu will remain in the hospital overnight. 

 

Benjamin Netanyahu. Ronen Zvulun / AP  

 

Benjamin Netanyahu taken to hospital: "Dehydrated"  

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed to hospital on Saturday, several media reports. Exactly what is behind it is not known, but an anonymous source tells the TV channel CH12 that Netanyahu should have suffered chest pains, writes Reuters.  

 

The AP has also reported information that Netanyahu may have temporarily fainted.  

 

At the hospital, Netanyahu underwent examinations and afterwards a doctor announced that nothing serious had been discovered, but that it appears to have been dehydration, writes Reuters. However, the doctors urged 73-year-old Netanyahu for "continued routine check-ups", his office said.