Thousands protest in Israel as Netanyahu allies push judicial overhaul

Israelis wave national flags during a protest outside the Knesset in Jerusalem against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government to overhaul the judicial system (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Thousands of Israelis protested outside the country’s Parliament on Monday ahead of a preliminary vote on a Bill that would give politicians greater power over appointing judges, part of a judicial overhaul proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

The committee vote, expected to take place after a stormy session, marked the opening salvo by Mr Netanyahu and his allies in a plan that has divided the country, triggered mass protests and even drawn concern from US President Joe Biden.