Europe News Desk!! Israel celebrated its 75th Independence Day amid an ongoing standoff and political divisions between supporters and opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial plan to reform the judiciary. On Tuesday, the festivities began at sunset with an official torch-lighting ceremony held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Thousands of Israelis rallied in downtown Tel Aviv for organizers called the Independence Party to protest the overhaul plan. Tel Aviv police blocked parts of the Ayalon Highway and several main roads. Over the past few days, Netanyahu and opposition leaders called for putting aside their differences. However, the struggle still continues. Grieving families laid wreaths and lit candles at cemeteries across Israel. In Besherba, where hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir spoke, clashes broke out between families of some of the bereaved and supporters of judicial reforms. Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, but it marks Independence Day on different dates each year based on the Hebrew calendar.
–IANS
World News Desk!!
PK/CBT