Israeli military chief advises troops to avoid participating in demonstrations

The Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has called for protests to remain in the public sphere and not affect the military, as turmoil over planned judicial reform continues in the country. He published an open letter in the aftermath of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to fire his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, for criticizing the reform. Netanyahu called on protesters to behave responsibly and not to act violently, and a rally to support Netanyahu's plan is expected to take place in Jerusalem later in the day. The proposed legislation would allow the government to seize greater control over the selection of Supreme Court justices, as well as restrict the court's power over the Knesset and to conduct lawmaking oversight. Netanyahu has not made any official statements on whether or not he will put the reform on hold, but Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged the government to immediately shelve the plans, warning that "the eyes of the whole world are on you."