Israeli official says ground-based system, capable of intercepting rockets, mortar shells and UAVs, is expected to be in use by end of 2024

Benny Gantz tells the Knesset that 'IDF soldiers must be kept as far as possible from any political involvement'

New Hope party said to demand new body to oversee Palestinian building in Area C, while Gantz insists issue remain under his ministry

Suspects released to house arrest; they claim they were fleeing Jewish mob

As Defense Ministry seeks to overhaul its much-criticized Rehabilitation Department, cabinet expected to approve NIS 300 million measure Friday or Sunday

Protest comes as government approval of One Soul, the Defense Ministry plan to improve treatment for disabled ex-soldiers, is held up by fighting over funding

Defense minister accuses PM, finance minister of holding up proposal; they say the Defense Ministry should come up with some of the money

Investigative committee on Itzik Saidyan, who suffers from PTSD, finds he was forced to fight grueling bureaucracy for years, received only temporary assistance

Moves aimed at cutting red tape, ending background checks; come after ex-IDF soldier self-immolated in apparent protest after years of fighting ministry bureaucracy

Amir Eshel acknowledges ministry's failures in caring for Itzik Saidyan, who self-immolated last week, but refuses to elaborate on concrete steps he plans to take to address issues