Thousands protest in Israel against the government

The main reason for the new protest was a government bill. It wants to significantly expand political control over the appointment process for judges. MPs are currently debating the bill. According to Haaretz, the final vote is expected to take place on Thursday. The opposition is reportedly planning to stay away in protest.

Critics in Israel see the bill as an attempt to undermine democracy. Opposition politician Benny Gantz is said to have warned Justice Minister Yariv Levin that the country is "on the brink of civil war", according to several Israeli media.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have long accused the judicial system in Israel of being too powerful and interfering too much in the decisions of the executive.

There have also been repeated protests by government opponents in the country in recent days. They are also demanding an agreement with Hamas to release the hostages still being held by Islamists in the Gaza Strip.