Israel approves controversial law on house demolitions

Israel's parliament on Wednesday voted in favour of a controversial law against illegal constructions that detractors say will mostly target Arab homes built without required, but hard-to-get, permits.The law, which has the backing of Prime Minister's Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, was passed with 43 votes for the bill and 33 against.Arab Israelis, descendants of the Palestinians who remained on their land after the 1948 creation of Israel, were quick to denounce the law.