The article reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a significant challenge to his nationalist-religious coalition's plans to overhaul the judiciary. The protests have been ongoing for three months, but they intensified on Sunday after Netanyahu fired his defense minister for opposing the judicial overhaul plan.
The protests have been widespread and spontaneous, with thousands of people taking to the streets in cities across Israel. The protesters have been critical of Netanyahu's plans to overhaul the judiciary, claiming that they are an attempt to take control of the judicial system rather than an effort to make it more just. Some have gone as far as calling the proposed changes a "regime coup," which would turn Israel into a "full-fledged fascist dictatorship."
In response to the protests, Histadrut Secretary General Arnon Bar-David has called for an immediate general strike until the judicial overhaul is halted. The strike quickly snowballed, with all takeoffs stopped at Ben Gurion airport and many shopping malls and businesses, particularly in the tech sector, joining the strike. The heads of universities in Israel have also decided to halt classes in research institutions against the background of the legislative process that undermines Israeli democracy.
The article highlights the growing concern among many Israelis about the direction of their country under Netanyahu's leadership. The protests and strikes are a clear indication of the depth of opposition to his policies and the willingness of many Israelis to take action to protect their democracy. The situation in Israel remains tense, and it is unclear how Netanyahu will respond to the growing unrest.
