The Israeli parliament passed a law Thursday that changes the process of appointing judges and gives politicians more control over the process. Why it matters: The legislation is the central element of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul program,

Israel's parliament Thursday passed a law expanding elected officials' power to appoint judges, defying a years-long movement against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious judicial reforms that saw massive street protests.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed threats to seize land in Gaza if Hamas does not release the remaining Israeli hostages. His remarks come as protests against the militant group continue for a second consecutive day,

Palestinians have chanted against Hamas during anti-war protests in the Gaza Strip. It's a rare show of public anger against the militant group that has long repressed dissent.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to seize parts of Gaza if Hamas did not release hostages, while the militant group warned they would return "in coffins" if Israel did not stop bombing the Palestinian territory.