Russia's options are limited due to the risk of U.S. sanctions. A collapse of Iran's regime could cost Russia a key strategic partner and military supplier, fueling fears that if Iran's protests succeeded, the Russian masses may follow suit and turn against their own dictator

Critics say the proposal, which passed a preliminary Knesset vote, would politicize oversight of police misconduct and weaken enforcement against corruption

'He mobilizes thousands to the streets with a phone call,' police argued, calling him 'an operational arm organizing the call for protests.' About 15,000 ultra-Orthodox took part in a protest last week that deteriorated into violent clashes, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old protester