Israeli envoy expresses concern over country's direction amidst protests and reforms.

Israel's Consul General in New York, Asaf Zamir, expressed his "deep concern" over the country's direction, particularly regarding the hardline coalition's effort to overhaul the judiciary. Zamir's criticism is rare for a sitting diplomat and indicates widespread discomfort with the government's policies. The legislation being pushed through the Knesset would give the government and coalition complete control over the selection of all judges in Israel, severely restrict the High Court's capacity to strike down laws, and allow the Knesset to pass laws immune from judicial review. Critics warn this could move Israel from a liberal democracy to another system of governance.