"Protests against overhaul continue for 23rd week"

Tens of thousands of Israelis protested against the government's plan to overhaul the justice system for the 23rd week in a row, with former Prime Minister Ehud Barak calling for a non-violent civil uprising against the government. The protests come ahead of a crucial Knesset vote on the makeup of the key Judicial Selection Committee, which is central to the coalition's ongoing efforts to greatly increase political control over the judiciary. Critics say the overhaul will erode Israel's democratic character and leave minorities unprotected, while supporters say it is needed to rein in an over-intrusive court system.