Thousands of Israelis protest Netanyahu sacking defense minister

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Thousands of Israelis on Sunday night took to the streets in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s surprise sacking of his defense minister.

Netanyahu decided to fire Yoav Gallant following his call on Saturday to pause the government's controversial judicial overhaul plan.

According to Haaretz, Israeli protesters blocked Tel Aviv's Ayalon Highway, and another protest gathered outside Netanyahu's residence in West Jerusalem.

News website Walla also reported other protests in Haifa, northern Israel, and in the southern city of Beersheba.

Israel has seen mass protests over the past 12 weeks against plans by the government for judicial reforms, seen by the opposition as a power grab in favor of the executive authority.

However, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, claims that his plan would enhance democracy and restore the balance between the legislative, executive, and judicial powers.