Protests against judicial reform erupt in Israel

Protests against the judicial reforms broke out across Israel in the morning of July 18, with media reporting first detentions, Report informs via Israeli media.

The protesters are trying to block major highways. The traffic in Tel Aviv has been blocked on several streets. According to Haaretz, two people were detained in the country's north, while Jerusalem Post reports five arrests.

A group of protesters are gathering at the building of Israel's defense ministry, with some of them chaining themselves to the fence.

Actions are also planned in Jerusalem, Eilat, Beer Sheva, Petah Tikva, Hod Hasharon, Ramat Gan, Hadera. According to TV channel No. 12, the presence of the police has been strengthened on the streets to prevent clashes between opponents and supporters of the reform.

The government's proposed reform should limit the ability of the Supreme Court to control the legislature and evaluate bills and executive decisions. It is assumed that the Israeli government will be able to control key appointments to positions in the country's judicial system, and the Knesset will be able to overturn decisions of the Supreme Court by a simple majority. The reform will also limit the powers of legal advisers to the government.