In one of the most pivotal and tumultuous days in Israel’s political history, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering whether to delay a judicial overhaul. The proposed changes have set off civil unrest and prompted widespread strikes that have blocked flights from leaving the country’s main airport.
A mass demonstration is planned for this afternoon. The potential for friction, and even violence, appeared to rise with calls by supporters of the legislative overhaul to come out and defend the plan.
The crisis was set off by the government’s plan to give itself greater control over the selection of Supreme Court justices and to limit the court’s authority over Parliament.
The discontent intensified on Sunday after Netanyahu fired a minister who had criticized the plan.