Hundreds of demonstrators have been trying to block the entrance to the Knesset in Jerusalem since Monday morning, ahead of the vote over the judicial overhaul's "reasonableness clause," expected to take place at the parliament later in the day.
The clause, aimed at preventing Supreme Court oversight over government decisions, is the first element of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan expected to be approved.
The plan seeks to limit the courts' powers and increase the government's responsibilities. Supporters of the plan claim that the courts are at the service of leftwing agendas. Its opponents, who have been demonstrating against it for several months now, believe it will destroy Israel’s democracy.
The "reasonableness clause" bill must be approved by the Knesset at a second and third reading to be enacted. According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, leaders of the opposition parties decided to boycott the third reading in a sign of protest. Several shopping malls have closed for the day, and many high-tech companies have announced they will allow their employees to take the day off if they wish to demonstrate.
