Tens of Thousands Protest Proposed Judicial Reforms in Israel

Tens of thousands of Israelis joined widespread protests across the country on Saturday to denounce Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plans to tighten restrictions on the Supreme Court. The proposed reforms have been temporarily halted after opponents organized some of the largest street protests in Israel's history, now entering their twentieth week. These reforms would grant the government authority over the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and allow parliament to annul many of its decisions. The government accuses judges engaging in political activity of encroaching on the role of parliament and states that the reforms are necessary to restore balance between the judiciary and elected officials. Opponents argue that these changes would eliminate the checks and balances fundamental to democratic states and grant the government unlimited powers.