Almost 1,200 Israeli Air Force veterans, including a former chief of staff, have sounded the alarm about the future of their country under the incoming ultranationalist right-wing government led by Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu.
"What we have in common today is the fear that the democratic state of Israel is in danger," the letter to the Supreme Court and other top officials said.
The veterans called the legal officials "the final line of defence", asking them to do everything in their power to "stop the disaster" affecting the country.
Among the nearly 1,200 signatories were Dan Halutz, who served as military chief from 2005 to 2007, Avihu Ben-Nun, a former commander of the air force, and Amos Yadlin, a former head of military intelligence.
Mr Netanyahu is returning to power after winning a November 1 election. He is set to present his government to parliament on Thursday.
Although the exact make-up of his cabinet has not yet been made public, analysts have called Mr Netanyahu's government the most right-wing in Israeli history.
On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered Mr Netanyahu and far-right leader Itamar Ben Gvir, who is slated for the position of national security minister, to respond within two days to a petition that demanded the court block Mr Ben Gvir's appointment.
The petition was filed by Tag Meir, a grassroots organisation against hate-crimes and religious racism.
Earlier, Mr Netanyahu defended his choice of national security minister, adding that Mr Ben Gvir had "modified a lot of his views".
In several interviews since his election win, Mr Netanyahu downplayed the role of his coalition partners, like Mr Ben Gvir.
"I will govern and I will lead, and I will navigate this government," he told Al Arabiya.
"(The other parties) are joining us; they will follow my policy."
1971: The Year The Music Changed Everything
Director: Asif Kapadia
4/5
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AUSTRALIA%20SQUAD
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How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
MWTC info
Tickets to the MWTC range from Dh100 and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ae or by calling 800 86 823 from within the UAE or 971 4 366 2289 from outside the country and all Virgin Megastores. Fans looking to attend all three days of the MWTC can avail of a special 20 percent discount on ticket prices.
Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
