Israel protests draw 500,000

THE largest protests in Israel’s history have taken place against government moves to limit the power of judges.

Hundreds of thousands took to the streets to demonstrate in cities across the country on Saturday night.

Normally such activism centres on the liberal city of Tel Aviv, where at least 200,000 are thought to have gathered, but organisers said another 300,000 also protested in other cities.

They are angry at attempts by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to curb the power of the courts in legislation going through parliament. It will give ministers decisive influence over the choice of judges and limit the ability of the Supreme Court to strike out laws.

Opponents believe the measures threaten the basis of the country’s democracy and could lead to authoritarian government.