Israel sees 'day of resistance' against judicial overhaul plan

Israeli protesters on Thursday were intensifying their opposition to a contentious government proposal to overhaul the judiciary, with plans to block Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's route to the airport ahead of an official trip overseas and as the U.S. defense secretary was visiting.

Demonstrators, who have been out protesting for more than two months against the overhaul, launched a “day of resistance to dictatorship” on Thursday.

“The current government is trying to destroy our democracy, and actually destroy the country,” protestor Savion Or said.

Parents and children demonstrated across the country ahead of school drop-off.

The uproar over Netanyahu's legal overhaul has plunged Israel into one of its worst domestic crises.

Netanyahu, who took office in late December after a protracted political stalemate, and his allies say the measures aim to rein in a court that has overstepped its authority.

Critics say the overhaul will upset the delicate system of checks and balances and slide Israel toward authoritarianism.

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