Thousands of people in Israel took to the streets on Tuesday as legislators prepare to pass one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform bills.

The proposals have divided the nation and triggered a massive protest movement since being unveiled in January by Netanyahu's right-wing government. Weekly rallies have drawn tens of thousands of protesters aiming to prevent what they believe could open the way to a more authoritarian government.

According to the AFP news agency, dozens of demonstrators entered the stock exchange building in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, tossing fake banknotes as a symbol of corruption. Protesters also ignited smoke bombs outside the building, where they chanted and held up signs reading "dictatorship will kill the economy."

About 1,000 people, including many army reservists, blocked an army headquarters in Tel Aviv. 

 

A large numer of protesters also gathered outside the headquarters of Histadrut, Israel's largest labor union, demanding the union call a general strike. 

Several cities across the country saw similar deminstrations and blockades.

At least 16 people were arrested on suspicion of public disturbance during protests blocking highways, police said. 

What set off the protests?

Netanyahu proposed a series of changes to the country's judiciary shortly after taking office in December. 

The proposed laws would grant lawmakers more control over the appointment of judges and give parliament the ability to overturn high court decisions and pass laws not subject to judicial review.

In the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, 64 lawmakers voted for this bill and 56 voted against. Members of Netanyahu's coalition stood and cheered when the vote passed, while opposition politicians shouted "shame." 

Two more readings are needed before the bill can come into force, which could happen by the end of the month.

With Israeli President Isaac Herzog due to meet US President Joe Biden in Washington on Tuesday, protest organizers are appealing to Washington to prevent what they see as a government move to weaken the judiciary. 

Netanyahu has said the reforms are necessary to prevent judicial interference in political decisions. 

 ara/sms (AP, dpa Reuters)