A protest of thousands is taking place outside the Knesset building, where the first part of Israel's judiciary reform bill is being considered for its first reading. According to local TV channel CH13, at least 75,000 people gathered outside the parliament building, RIA Novosti reported.

The bill would change the composition of the Judicial Appointments Commission, giving the government de facto control over appointments, and limit the Supreme Court's use of judicial oversight over basic laws.

Earlier, opposition leader Yair Lapid said that he has no plans to stop fighting against the reform.

Israel's judicial reform bill was presented by newly appointed Justice Minister Yariv Levin. The draft provides for limiting the powers of the Supreme Court in favor of parliament, and will also give parliamentarians the opportunity to challenge Supreme Court decisions. The announced reform plan sparked weekly protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem by the thousands. President Isaac Herzog also called on the government of Binyamin Netanyahu to postpone the reform process and negotiate with the opposition.