Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister. Now thousands of protesters are gathering at the Prime Minister’s residence – and are said to have forced the barriers outside. – The most serious crisis in Israel in a very long time, says Terese Cristiansson, TV4 Nyheternas Middle Eastern correspondent. The decision came late Sunday from Netanyahu, who was forced to fire Likud party colleague Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, one of the most experienced politicians in the party. Thousands of protesters then gathered outside the prime minister’s office. According to Israeli media, they are trying to enter the residence, which is protected by riot-equipped police. “Must be stopped” Deposed defense minister and former army general Gallant sparked anger within the government when he echoed the widespread demonstrations that have rocked Israel recently. – The process must be stopped, for Israel’s security and for our sons and daughters, Gallant said in a televised speech. – I don’t intend to be a part of this, he continued. The law means, among other things, that the parliament should be able to review decisions from the Supreme Court and that politicians should have greater influence over nominations of judges to the same court. It also protects Netanyahu legally during the trial where he is accused of corruption. Gallant also said the protests pose an immediate danger to the state’s security. He is therefore asking the Prime Minister not to enforce the law until after the Jewish Passover, which begins on April 5. “Most serious crisis” According to TV4 Nyheternas Middle East correspondent Terese Cristiansson, the situation in Israel is very serious. – It is the most serious crisis seen in Israel in a very, very long time, she says. Furthermore, she points to the division in Netanyahu’s government. – It is seeing the Israeli government so divided at the same time as 650,000 people demonstrate in the streets and squares, which makes the whole thing so serious in Israel. In the clip above: The statement that got Israel’s defense minister fired.
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Demonstrators tear down barricades – at Netanyahu’s residence
