Middle East

Tunisia’s parliament has approved a bill aimed at ending “all violence against women” in a move welcomed by rights groups. The new law, which is expected to enter into force next year, defines violence against women as “any physical, moral, sexual or economic aggression” against women based on discrimination between the two sexes. It includes

‘Don’t test us,’ Yoram Halevi warns Muslim worshipers after removal of Temple Mount security measures and ahead of Friday prayers By Raoul Wootliff Jerusalem District Police Commander, Yoram Halevi gives a statement to the media about recent events at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem’s Old City, July 27, 2017. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) Following the removal of

Some 3,000 people gather in Umm al-Fahm for burials of Arab-Israelis, all relatives, who shot dead Israeli Druze police officers near compound on July 14 By Times of Israel staff The funerals in Umm al-Fahm on July 26, 2017 of the three terrorists who killed two Israeli police officers in a shooting attack on the

In letter to justice minister, religious leaders object to policies calls that ‘run contrary to human morality’ By Stuart Winer Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked attends a Constitution, Law, and Justice, Committee meeting in the Knesset on July 9, 2017. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) Dozens of religious-Zionist rabbis declared their support for Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked’s ruling against

Islamic authority wants access to Temple Mount returned to situation before July 14 attack — more gates open, no railings, no cameras By Avi Issacharoff and Times of Israel staff Waqf (Muslim Trust) officials and others prepare to pray outside the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem’s Old City, rather than enter the compound via metal detectors

Legislation must openly say it will safeguard the rights of minorities, insists maverick Likud lawmaker By Marissa Newman Likud MK Benny Begin speaks during a vote on the so-called Regulation Bill, controversial legislation that seeks to legitimize illegal West Bank outposts, in the Knesset on December 7, 2016. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) Maverick Likud MK Benny Begin

Israel’s removal of metal detectors from Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site has failed to appease Palestinians. Thousands prayed outside on Tuesday night, heeding a call not to enter in protest at Israel’s actions. Earlier Israel said it had decided to replace the detectors with what it calls “smart checking devices” at the site known to

Openly gay Likud MK Amir Ohana punished for skipping key Knesset votes in protest at government’s discriminatory policy By Times of Israel staff Likud Knesset Member Amir Ohana leads a House committee meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 26, 2017. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) Likud’s first openly gay lawmaker was suspended from a powerful Knesset