Thousands protested Thursday after Israel's parliament passed a law expanding the power of politicians over the appointment of judges pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

The approval came with Netanyahu's coalition, the most right-wing in Israeli history, locked in a standoff with the supreme court after the premier began proceedings to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and announced the sacking of Ronen Bar, head of the internal security agency.

Protesters rallied against the law on Thursday evening, with critics saying it was a "catastrophe" and a "nail in the coffin of Israeli democracy", while the opposition swiftly filed a petition with the supreme court challenging the legislation.

"The government wants us to forget about the hostages, wants to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet ... but they do not have the power to do so if we stand united like a wall," said retired major general Noam Tibon in a speech at a Tel Aviv protest.

The law was approved by a vote of 67 in favour and one against, with the opposition boycotting the early-morning vote. Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has........

© Al Monitor