Israel grinds to halt as 'unprecedented' strikes against judicial reforms begin

Turmoil engulfed Israel on Monday as the country’s largest labour union instructed all state workers to strike in protest at government plans to drastically change the country’s judicial system.

The union, Histadrut, represents 800,000 members and declared the action “historic”.

There was widespread confusion at the country’s main airport as industrial action led to the cancellation of all departures, with the prospect of international arrivals that had not already taken off also being cancelled.

Airline bosses are particularly concerned about the effect on the industry as Israel prepares for the Jewish holiday of Passover.

The country’s two main maritime ports, Haifa and Ashdod, were shut.

“We are all worried about Israel’s fate … We have lost our way — this is not about left or right. We can no longer polarise the nation,” the union’s leader, Arnon Bar-David, said.

Industrial action is also being felt abroad, as support for it grows among Israel’s diplomatic corps. American broadcaster CNN reported an Israeli official saying that the country’s embassy in Washington would close following the union’s call for strikes.

In Jerusalem, shopping malls were silent as the retail sector heeded the call to strike in opposition to what it described as “madness”.

On Sunday, a group of universities announced they would shut their doors from Monday.

“We, the heads of Israel’s research universities, presidents, rectors, and management, will stop studies in all of Israel’s research universities starting tomorrow morning, amid the continuation of the legislative process that undermines the foundations of Israeli democracy and endangers its continued existence,” a joint statement read.

Three local mayors and two heads of regional councils began a hunger strike outside the Jerusalem Prime Minister’s Office.

Israel’s security establishment is preparing for violent clashes outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, as right-wing counter-demonstrators, some of whom advocate violence, prepare to rally in support of the government.

In his first comments since sacking Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday over his support for pausing the judicial reforms, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked for both sides to “show responsibility and not act violently”.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Premier Futsal 2017 Finals

Al Wasl Football Club; six teams, five-a-side

Delhi Dragons: Ronaldinho
Bengaluru Royals: Paul Scholes
Mumbai Warriors: Ryan Giggs
Chennai Ginghams: Hernan Crespo
Telugu Tigers: Deco
Kerala Cobras: Michel Salgado

Our commentary on Brexit

Alistair Burt: Despite Brexit, Britain can remain a world power
Con Coughlin: Choice of the British people will be vindicated

COMPANY%20PROFILE

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Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

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Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015

- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France

While you're here

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Simon Rushton: Pandemic wealth uplift for 10 richest men could 'vaccinate everyone'

Know before you go

Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes.

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.