Israeli defence minister to call for halting judicial overhaul - TV

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant will on Thursday call for a halt to a judicial overhaul which has triggered protests in the country, including within the military, Channel 12 TV reported. There was no immediate confirmation from spokespeople for Gallant, a senior member of Netanyahu's conservative Likud party.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant will on Thursday call for a halt to a judicial overhaul which has triggered protests in the country, including within the military, Channel 12 TV reported.

There was no immediate confirmation from spokespeople for Gallant, a senior member of Netanyahu's conservative Likud party. Following the news, the shekel jumped by 1.8% to the dollar.

Separately, Netanyahu scheduled a public statement on television at 8.00 p.m. (1800 GMT). (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Angus MacSwan)