Israelis stage protests near parliament against judicial reforms

Israelis hold flags and posters as they demonstrate against the government's plan to overhaul judicial powers [Ammar Awad/Reuters]

Thousands of people are holding protests in front of the Israeli parliament as lawmakers engage in a heated debate on a bill that would give politicians greater power over appointing judges.

The plans, which would give right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greater control of appointments to the Supreme Court bench, have triggered widespread protests.