Mass Protests In Israel, As Prime Minister Fires De-fence Minister
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defence minister.
In Jerusalem, police and soldiers used water cannon against demonstrators near Mr. Netanyahu’s house.
The minister, Yoav Gallant had spoken out against controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.
Early on Monday morning, Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on the government to halt the reforms.
A week of disruption had already been planned over the new law.
The reforms include plans that would give the government decisive control over the committee which appoints judges.
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They would also make it harder for courts to remove a leader deemed unfit for office, which has angered many who consider it in the interests of the incumbent, Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ongoing trial for corruption.
Mr Netanyahu says the reforms are designed to stop the courts over-reaching their powers and that they were voted for by the public at the last election.
“Democratic societies are strengthened by checks and balances, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support,” White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement.
