Israelis back on the streets over judicial reform

(Patria) - Thousands of Israelis returned to the streets of Tel Aviv late on Thursday to protest parliament's approval of a key component of a controversial judicial overhaul package.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition allies pushed through the bill on Monday, which opponents say paves the way for an authoritarian government, AFP reported. The bill limits the "reasonableness" clause used by the Supreme Court to overturn government decisions that judges deem unconstitutional.

Protesters gathered on Thursday evening in Tel Aviv, the epicentre of demonstrations since the judicial overhaul package was first introduced in January.

The controversial reforms have divided the nation and sparked one of the largest protest movements in Israel's history.

Netanyahu's coalition government, which includes far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, claims the proposed changes are necessary to ensure a better balance of power between elected officials and the courts.