Strikes and protests grip Israel over judiciary overhaul

By Nathan Morley

Beleaguered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sacked his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, after the minister called on the government to halt its controversial judiciary overhaul plan.

As unrest continues in Israel, tens of thousands of citizens have again taken to the streets to protest the government's plan to cull Supreme Court powers. 

Incredible scenes were beamed live on television overnight showing police using water cannon against protesters. 

Undeterred, tens of thousands of people took to the streets declaring outrage at the dismissal of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. 

Gallant – the first minister in Netanyahu's far-right cabinet to break ranks - had voiced concerns about the judicial overhaul, which would see the government take full control over the committee that selects judges. 

Netanyahu - who is facing corruption charges - says the overhaul is needed to curb what he describes as an ‘overly activist’ Supreme Court.

However, after protests persisted overnight and into the early morning, President Herzog called on Netanyahu to halt the reforms for the sake of the “unity of the people of Israel”. He said security, economy and society were all under threat. 

On Monday afternoon, Benny Gantz, leader of the opposition National Unity party, told protestors outside the Knesset: "Whoever doesn't protect his country won't have a country, and you are protecting our country."