Jerusalem: A massive protest eruptes in parts of Israel soon after Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defence minister.
Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities across Israel in a spontaneous outburst of anger for firing defence minister for challenging his judicial overhaul plan.
Protesters were seen gathering in large number and lighted bonfires and blocked a highway during a rally moments to protest against the move.
The unrest deepened a monthslong crisis over Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judiciary, which not only sparked mass protests, alarmed business leaders and former security chiefs.
Interestingly, the decision has also drawn concern from the United States and other close allies.
Defence minister Yoav Gallant had spoken out against controversial plans to overhaul the justice system. He was the first to break ranks in Netanyahu’s coalition late Saturday by calling for the legislation to be frozen.
Meanwhile, a White House spokeswoman raised US concerns about the situation. “As the president recently discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu, democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the US-Israel relationship,” she said.
“The fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support, ” she added.
“We continue to strongly urge Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible.”
Netanyahu’s government is pushing ahead for a parliamentary vote this week on a centrepiece of the overhaul — a law that would give the governing coalition the final say over all judicial appointments.
