Explained | Why are Israelis protesting the government’s proposed judicial reforms? Premium

A look at the judicial reforms proposed by the Israeli government that have caused widespread protests. They have now been put on hold by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The story so far: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on March 27 that he would temporarily freeze his judicial overhaul plans to seek a compromise following widespread demonstrations and a general strike that paralysed the Jewish nation.

Mr. Netanyahu, 73, said he ordered the “timeout” on the legislation till the Knesset (Parliament) recess was over, “to give a real opportunity for real dialogue”. He urged protestors “to behave responsibly and refrain from violence” as thousands of Israelis protested the reforms, including workers from a range of sectors, and descended into Jerusalem.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on the government to stop the judicial overhaul, a day after Mr. Netanyahu fired defence minister Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for opposing the judicial reforms. Mr. Herzog warned that the move put the country’s security, economy and society under threat, and called on the government to set aside political considerations for the sake of the nation.

Mr. Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant after he said in televised address on Saturday night that the judicial overhaul “poses a clear, immediate, and tangible threat to the security of the state”. This intensified protests, with tens of thousands taking to the street on Sunday night.

In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked a main highway and lit large bonfires. They also gathered outside Mr. Netanhayu’s home in Jerusalem and clashed with police. Two protesters entered the Knesset building and shouted at Education Minister Yoav Kisch that he should resign, before being taken away by security.

The protests have mainly been organised by common people with no declared political affiliation, although the Opposition has expressed support for their cause.

On Monday, Arnon Bar-David, the head of Israel’s largest labour federation Histadrut, announced a “historic” labour strike to “stop the madness” of the government’s controversial judicial overhaul. The National Student and Youth Council, which represents middle and high school students, too declared a nationwide strike to start on Monday morning. The council called for “halting the [overhaul] legislation and starting negotiations immediately”.