Israelis continue protest against Netanyahu's government legal reform plans

By Said Amori and Hacer Baser

TEL AVIV (AA) - Israelis continued protest Saturday against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning proposed judicial reforms.

Demonstrators protested for the 16th week in a row in cities such as Tel Aviv, West Jerusalem and Haifa against the right-wing coalition government that has proposed judicial regulations.

Police closed roads in various cities, especially in Tel Aviv.

In recent weeks, hundreds of Israeli reservist soldiers, including reservist pilots, refused to join training or show up for duty in protest against plans for judicial overhaul.

While the government argues that the plans would enhance democracy and restore the balance between the legislative, executive and judicial powers, the opposition views them as an attempt to reduce the powers of the judicial authority in favor of the executive.

Last month, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, bowed to pressure and announced a temporary halt to the judicial overhaul plans.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan