Jerusalem: The controversial judicial reforms of the hard-right government in Israel have had a key provision adopted by a committee of the Israeli parliament, according to a statement released on Thursday as protests grew in intensity ahead of the bill's final votes.

In a protracted discussion that ended late on Wednesday, the law committee of parliament approved the proposal, which would restrict the "reasonability" clause that permits the judiciary to overturn governmental decisions.

The bill is scheduled for second and third readings on Monday following the panel's approval, "with nine Knesset members supporting and seven opposing," according to a statement from parliament.

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It would be the first significant portion of the government's proposed legal overhaul to become law if it is approved by the full parliament next week.
The government's reforms, which were announced in January not long after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won re-election, are opposed by those who believe they pose a threat to Israeli democracy.

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With a wave of protests that has lasted for several months, protesters have kept the government under pressure.
Organizers claimed that hundreds of protesters gathered outside of government buildings in the northern port city of Haifa on Thursday morning as they marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem's parliament building.

The judicial reforms have divided the country and sparked one of the most significant anti-government movements in Israeli history, with weekly protests frequently drawing large crowds.

Giving the government more control over the appointment of judges is one of the other proposals. The reform package has also received criticism from other countries, including the United States, a close ally of Israel.

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The government, which is made up of Netanyahu's ultra-Orthodox and extreme-right Jewish allies, claims that the adjustments are required to ensure a better distribution of power.

Netanyahu's detractors contend that he was trying to discredit the legal system by accusing it of unfairly targeting him for political reasons. Netanyahu is defending himself against corruption charges in court.