Israel's largest trade union announced a general strike in response to the government's judicial reform plans.
Resistance to the proposed reforms, which critics say would weaken the judiciary, escalated following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to sack defense minister Yoav Gallant.
- Israel's right-wing government is seeking to reform the country's judiciary.
- Netanyahu's administration aims to increase the government’s role in appointing judges while reducing the power of the Supreme Court to strike down legislation.
- Gallant was fired after he became the first senior member of the ruling party to express opposition to the plan.
- Gallant's removal triggered massive demonstrations on Sunday in the Israeli cities of Beersheba, Haifa and Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv.
Zoom Out:
- Proponents of the judicial reforms argue that the government needs more power to stop the judiciary from allegedly pursuing a left-wing agenda.
- Critics have expressed concern that the reforms will undermine protections for minorities, harm the country's business climate, and remove crucial checks and balances.
