Netanyahu says when opponents 'say the smallest reform is the destruction of democracy, this is not only false it also doesn't allow the possibility of reaching understandings'

Esther Hayut hits back at coalition's moves to neuter judiciary, signals her court will resist government bid to alter 'the democratic identity of the country beyond recognition'

Justice minister, other Netanyahu allies lash out at Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut over warning that proposed overhaul of judiciary will deal 'fatal blow' to democracy

In unprecedented address, Supreme Court president denounces planned government legal reform, says it will undermine judicial independence, hand legislative 'blank check' to Knesset

Legal advisers and top prosecutors since 1975 assail planned overhaul; current AG Baharav-Miara says PM spreading false claim she sought to fabricate probes into coalition members

Reform would also allow outside candidates, but is unlikely to receive support of justices; under current system, Hayut will be replaced by Amit in October

Channel 12 says Levin seeks to expand Judicial Selection Committee to 11 members, with 7 coalition appointees; minister meets with chief justice, promises her voice will be heard

Hours after Knesset amends Basic Law to enable Shas leader's appointment despite suspended sentence, lobby group obtains court order requiring incoming government to explain move

IAF personnel, including former chief of staff Dan Halutz, warn top legal officials: 'You are the last line of defense' against fundamental changes to state they fought for

Expected incoming PM also said to be aiming to sit down with AG Baharav-Miara, who has been vocally critical of some of the bloc's legislative efforts