Israeli lawmakers give early OK for debated bills

The approval follows a move in the Cabinet earlier this week to slash foreign funding to dovish groups.
Critics say both developments reflect attempts by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to stifle dissent and pluralism.
Parliament late Monday gave a preliminary approval to a bill that changes the way the top court’s judges are selected and another that changes rules for becoming chief justice.
Both proposals would require further votes in parliament to become law.
Opponents say the bills politicize and usurp the legislature’s power. Supporters laud what they regard as the court’s independence from political influences.