Israeli lawyers rally against judicial overhaul plans
Hundreds of Israeli lawyers rallied outside a Tel Aviv court to protest against the government's controversial plans to overhaul the judicial system.
The rare demonstration by attorneys follows the justice minister outlining proposals such as allowing politicians to override Supreme Court decisions.
Around 400 demonstrators joined the rally, some waving Israeli flags.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin wants to hand more powers to members of parliament in appointing judges, which are currently picked through a panel of magistrates, lawyers and politicians, under the supervision of the justice ministry.
He has also proposed a "derogation clause", which would allow parliament to annual a Supreme Court decision with a simple majority.
Analysts say such a clause could allow lawmakers to uphold any annulment of the corruption charges facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should parliament vote to absolve him and the Supreme Court then rule against it.
In an open letter published, a group of former state attorneys and attorney generals said they were "shocked" by Levin's programme.
"We call on the government to retract the plan it published and prevent the severe damage to the court system and rule of law," wrote the 11 senior jurists, many of whom also served as Supreme Court judges.
The new justice minister entered office last month, as part of Israel's most right-wing government, led by Netanyahu.
