Israeli Protests Sweep Nation Against Judicial Overhaul

Thousands of protesters in Israel, including at the main airport, rallied against the government's "judicial reforms" bill, which they see as a threat to democracy. The bill aims to weaken the judicial role in government oversight and has faced criticism for its rushed passage. Protesters blocked highways, resulting in arrests and clashes with security forces. The bill would abolish the Supreme Court's ability to overturn government decisions based on "reasonableness" and replace the independent Israel Bar Association with a government-run Lawyers Council. Critics argue that these measures would give the government unlimited power without checks and threaten Palestinian rights. Further votes are planned, and protesters are considering wider labor strikes and refusals to serve in the military.