Israel's Judicial Protests Persist for 21st Week Despite Budget Approval.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have been protesting for five months against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed judicial overhaul that would give politicians greater sway over selecting judges and limit the power of the Supreme Court to strike down legislation. Despite pressure at home and abroad, Netanyahu's government remains committed to pushing through the changes. Critics see a threat to the independence of the courts, while top economists and national security veterans have warned of fallout, saying an independent court system is crucial to Israel's economic strength and defences against attempts to isolate it internationally.