Protesters shout slogans outside Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem amid ongoing demonstrations and calls for a general strike against the hard-right government’s controversial push to overhaul the justice system, on March 27, 2023. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP) (Photo by HAZEM BADER/AFP via Getty Images)
Hazem Bader | Afp | Getty Images
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday agreed to suspend a planned judiciary reform until the next parliament session after nationwide protests paralyzed the country.
Netanyahu’s administration survived a no-confidence vote early on Monday, following escalating demonstrations and strike action stoked by the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who objected to the planned measures.
Local news on Monday estimated that 600,000 people took to the streets to protest the proposals, which would significantly weaken the country’s judiciary and encumber attempts to remove Netanyahu from power.
Operations at the Haifa and Ashdod ports and flights out of Israel’s Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv were halted by strike action. Israel’s Leumi Bank also closed branches as part of the demonstrations, while Israeli embassies worldwide have been instructed to join the industrial action, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
— This is a breaking news story and will be updated shortly.
Source: CNBC