Mass protests after Netanyahu sacks defence minister over reform row

Angry protests broke out in Tel Aviv on Sunday night following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissal of Defence Minister Yoav Galant which came after he called on the government to halt its controversial judicial reform. Tens of thousands of people spontaneously gathered in the coastal metropolis to protest Netanyahu's move, which was announced by a spokesman for his right-wing conservative Likud party on Sunday. In Jerusalem, angry protesters reportedly broke through a road block near Netanyahu's residence, though it was unclear whether the 73-year-old was home. Neighbours waved blue and white national flags. In light of the situation, the prime minister convened an emergency consultation meeting on how to proceed. The army was put on heightened alert due to the chaotic developments, according to media reports. US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Washington was 'deeply concerned' about the situation in Israel and called for an urgent compromise. 'Democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship,' Watson said in a statement. 'Democratic societies are strengthened by checks and balances, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support,' the spokeswoman said. In a speech on Saturday evening, Galant had, out of concern for Israel's ability to defend itself, called on Netanyahu's right-wing coalition to halt its plans for the reform, core elements of which are set to be implemented in the next few days. A vote on the law to give government politicians more influence in appointing judges could take place as early as Monday. Galant is the highest-ranking member of the government to date to be critical of the plan to weaken the judiciary. Jediot Achronot, the highest-circulation paid newspaper in Israel, wrote in its headline on Sunday: 'Rebellion within the (ruling) Likud.' At least two other members of Netanyahu's Likud party supported Galant's demand, Israeli media reported on Sunday, but other coalition members reacted with anger and even called for his dismissal. Police minister and hard-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on Twitter that Galant had cracked under pressure from the media and protesters. 'I call on the prime minister to dismiss him immediately.' Meanwhile, opposition politicians Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz - a former Israeli prime minister - issued a joint statement saying Netanyahu had 'crossed a red line.' They called on other members of Likud 'not to participate in the destruction of national security.' Organizers of mass protests against the judicial reform are planning week-long daily protests against the proposed law, and demonstrators remain undeterred and are calling for a 'week of disruption.' Several Israeli universities on Sunday evening announced a strike in response to Galant's dismissal and the government's reform plans. Several Israeli mayors went on hunger strike demanding an immediate end to the national crisis. Experts believe that the month-long mass protests are not only about judicial reform, but that the liberal camp is also venting its anger over other serious problems. It is still unclear how critics of the reform within the government will vote. The coalition has a majority of only four seats in parliament. Netanyahu's government accuses the Supreme Court of excessive interference in political decisions. In future, the parliament will therefore be able to overturn decisions of the Supreme Court with a simple majority. Critics see the separation of powers as a cornerstone of democracy and warn of a state crisis