Benjamin Netanyahu has fired his defence minister, a day after Yoav Gallant called for a halt to the planned overhaul of Israel’s judiciary that has divided the country.
Mr Gallant, a former army general, is a senior member of Mr Netanyahu’s ruling Likud party.
An increasing number of Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Reservists have been going on strike in protest at the plans to overhaul the judiciary.
The demonstrations have been growing week-on-week, and Saturday night saw the biggest turnout yet. Further mass demonstrations are planned for the coming week.
On Saturday Mr Gallant said: “I declare loudly and publicly, for the sake of Israel’s security, for the sake of our sons and daughters, the legislative process should be stopped.
“The victory of a single side, whether it be in the halls of the Knesset [Israeli parliament], or on the streets of our cities, will lead to a loss for the State of Israel.”
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Mr Netanyahu’s office did not provide further details.