Israeli lawmakers have approved a significant part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to reform the country’s justice system, causing widespread protests and divisions in Israeli society.

The approval followed a tumultuous session in which opposition lawmakers expressed their disapproval and left the chamber.

Netanyahu and his far-right allies are determined to proceed with the plan, which aims to limit the powers of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, and change the process of selecting judges. They argue that these changes are necessary to curb the influence of unelected judges.

However, protesters from various segments of Israeli society view the reform as a power grab driven by Netanyahu’s personal and political motives, especially since he is currently facing corruption charges.

In this vote, lawmakers passed a measure preventing judges from overturning government decisions on the grounds of being “unreasonable.”

The measure was approved by a margin of 64-0 after the opposition had left the hall.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the architect of the plan, hailed the vote as the “first step in an important historic process” to overhaul the judiciary.

Nevertheless, more mass protests are expected, and a civil society group called the Movement for Quality Government has announced its intention to challenge the new law in the Supreme Court.

The grassroots protest movement strongly criticized the vote, stating that Netanyahu’s “extremist government is determined to impose their fringe ideology on millions of citizens.” They expressed concerns about the potential social upheaval resulting from the legislation.

Prior to the vote, demonstrators who believe that the government’s plan threatens the foundations of the country staged protests, including blocking a road leading to the parliament. Some major retail chains and gas stations also closed in solidarity.

In addition, thousands of military reservists have refused to serve under a government they perceive as leading the country towards dictatorship, raising concerns about the military’s readiness.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid warned, “We are headed for disaster.”

The vote took place shortly after Netanyahu was released from the hospital, where he had a pacemaker implanted.

His hospitalization added another twist to the already dramatic events, which have drawn attention from the United States. The Biden administration has repeatedly expressed its concerns about Netanyahu’s government and its reform plan. President Joe Biden cautioned against rushing through legal changes that are causing such division.

Biden has also criticized the government’s actions to further expand Israel’s presence in the West Bank.

The ongoing democracy protests have generally avoided addressing Israel’s 56-year occupation of Palestinian territories, as it could alienate supporters. However, critics argue that this occupation undermines Israel’s claim to be a liberal democracy.

Tens of thousands of people gathered for mass rallies both supporting and opposing the reform as lawmakers debated the issue.

Protesters blocked roads leading to the parliament, and the police used water cannons to disperse them. The protest movement reported the arrest of one of its leaders.

Netanyahu’s supporters, on the other hand, gathered in central Tel Aviv, which is usually a venue for anti-government protests.

Despite disruptions to his schedule due to hospitalization, Netanyahu’s doctors reported a successful procedure, and he assured the public of his well-being.

Netanyahu initially halted the reform in March due to intense pressure from protesters and labor strikes. However, after failed attempts to reach a compromise, he decided to proceed with the overhaul.