PM says he's pausing judicial revamp to avoid 'civil war,' asserts 'extreme minority tearing Israel to shreds'; opposition heads offer wary approval for talks, warn against bluff

At IDI conference, experts describe how 'constitutional capture' began with 'dismantlement of judicial independence'; ex-Irish justice minister urges halt to 'regressive' push

Opponents of the legislation argue it violates key principles underpinning Israel's democratic character, opening the window for the High Court to invalidate the law

Shikma Bressler, Kalanit Sharon, Rotem Perelman-Farhi arrested during nationwide rallies; cops say at least two of the arrests were due to 'disturbance of public order'

Law committee expected to advance measure on Wednesday, setting core pillar of judicial overhaul on course to become law next week; opposition protests procedural changes in vote

In Knesset speech, finance minister says government seeking dialogue on contentious plan, but has a mandate to carry out comprehensive reform

Nir Barkat backs changes to judicial appointments but says to avoid 'chaos,' court should not be defied if it blocks legislation; Likud: 'An absurd discussion'

A new draft for the overhaul of the judicial appointments process leaves the Knesset with less than two weeks to re-draw a critical pillar of Israel's constitution arrangements

Amended measure would give coalition full control over first two High Court appointments that open up during its tenure, but require support of others for further selections

According to tweaked draft, coalition would choose the justices to fill the first two Supreme Court openings in each Knesset term, gain full authority over lower court appointments