Israel faces week of protests and paralysis over controversial judicial reforms.

Protesters in Israel have declared a "week of paralysis" ahead of the government passing a core tenet of its judicial overhaul bill. The protests have escalated since the government announced its plans to severely curtain the judiciary in early January. A growing number of military reservists have also vowed to halt or already stopped their service over the legislation. The government aims to weaken the court's ability to serve as a check on parliament and give the government control over the appointment of judges.