"Protests escalate in Israel against government actions and judicial oversight bill"

Protests against a bill to curtail judicial oversight over government decisions are expected to intensify across Israel, with demonstrations planned at over 150 locations. The bill is set to have its first reading in the Knesset on Monday. Protest leaders have warned that the legislation could lead to a dictatorship and have called for a demonstration "such as has never been seen before in Israel" on Tuesday. In addition to the protests, reservists have threatened not to volunteer for service if the bill becomes law. Former prime minister Ehud Barak has called on elite military members to refuse to serve if the bill passes. The coalition aims to have the legislation enacted into law before the Knesset breaks for summer recess.