Opposition calls idea 'spin' and 'tricks,' arguing that legislation handing government control of Judicial Selection Committee undercuts judicial independence regardless

Simcha Rothman tells Knesset legal adviser that curbing judges takes priority, saying many rights don't have special majority clause needed for court intervention under proposal

After day of fiery protests and warring speeches, vote marks major step en route to government control of judge selection, and the limiting of High Court's capacity to review laws

Initial volley of judicial reform legislation expected to pass first of 3 plenum votes, as tens of thousands of protesters converge upon Knesset to voice opposition

Gur Bligh, who advises Constitution Committee, raises numerous concerns over limitations on judicial review in government's radical legal reform package

Justice minister, Knesset panel head overseeing bills say they are willing to start dialogue 'without preconditions'; opposition says proposal disingenuous while process continues

Justice minister, head of Knesset law committee imply they have some openness to compromise on judicial reforms but only after first reading

Constitution Committee chair dismisses substantive changes proposed by the panel's legal adviser; bill focuses on judge appointments and curbs on court's power

Opposition MK Kariv calls for strike to protest swift advancement of contentious legal reforms; Jewish Agency head Sharansky warns of 'demagoguery,' erosion of human rights

Committee chair says Hayut saying she'd engage in compromise talks only if legislative process is halted is 'serious violation of separation of powers,' invites her to committee