Netanyahu Rushes Laws to Lock in Coalition

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is passing laws aimed at strengthening his rightist-religious political bloc before tight elections in October,” Bloomberg reports.

“At the center of the drive are measures to ensure military exemption for ultra-Orthodox men, along with curbing the attorney general’s powers and tightening government oversight of media.”

“The moves are proving highly controversial in Israel, with the head of the military among those voicing their criticism. But while they could alienate some voters, Netanyahu likely sees them as the best way to stay in office.”