Israel in Turmoil: Protests and Arrests Amid Controversial Judiciary Reforms

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across Israel to protest the government's controversial legislation to overhaul the judiciary and restrict the powers of the High Court of Justice. At least 21 people were detained in several incidents, including two motorists accused of pepper-spraying demonstrators who blocked the road. The government's plan will allow the Knesset to override court decisions with the barest majority, preemptively shield laws from judicial oversight altogether, and put the selection of all judges in the hands of coalition politicians. The overhaul plans have drawn intense public criticism and fierce opposition across Israel, sparking mass protests and dire warnings from economists, legal professionals, academics, and security officials.