Israel’s Netanyahu accused of ‘theocratic dictatorship’ over judicial reforms

Ex-leader Ehud Barak has called for ‘civil disobedience’ over the plans

Police walk ahead of a demonstration in Tel Aviv on Tuesday against Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul (Reuters)

Hundreds of prominent Israelis have called on Britain and Germany to cancel upcoming visits by Benjamin Netanyahu, saying his controversial judicial reforms are turning Israel into a “theocratic dictatorship”.

The prime minister’s new ruling coalition, a collection of ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox parties, has barrelled ahead with legislation that aims to weaken the Supreme Court and give ministers control over the appointment of judges.

Israel’s parliament on Tuesday advanced a bill that would let politicians pass laws that the Supreme Court cannot overturn.