Avi Himi accuses Justice Minister Levin of seeking to 'destroy democracy,' says his proposals will make Israel 'a dictatorship'; chair of Knesset law panel calls for AG to resign

Other top officials warn Levin's proposals are a threat to Israel; ex-AG: 'I don't know of anything in the literature that will enable such a country to be considered a democracy'

Sources close to Shas leader accuse justice minister of antagonizing court by announcing far-reaching reforms to undercut their power on eve of crucial hearing

Attorneys representing Shas leader challenge court authority, spar with judges as they argue that he should be allowed to hold office despite his recent conviction

As it faces proposals to curtail its powers, court to weigh in on Shas leader serving in office despite tax fraud conviction; AG has warned of 'severe damage to public trust'

State Department spokesman says administration's stance against unilateral steps 'certainly' includes Israeli government's effort to legalize Homesh in northern West Bank

Opposition vows to fight government's legislative proposals, which would drastically curb the authority of judges; Netanyahu allies hail moves as 'fixing' judicial system

Netanyahu loyalist claims his 'reforms' fix imbalance between branches of government. In fact, he's neutering the High Court, the only defense, for anyone, against any coalition

Levin announces sweeping proposals to severely curtail judges' powers; claims court's intervention in decisions, Knesset laws harms democracy; opposition warns of 'political coup'

Gali Baharav-Miara argues that Shas chief's membership in cabinet would do 'severe damage to public trust in ethical conduct of elected officials' due to past criminal convictions