Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was flown to the airport amid protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to be flown to the country’s international airport amid protests against his planned judicial reforms.

Demonstrators waved Israeli flags and used cars to block access to the departures area of ​​Ben Gurion airport ahead of the prime minister’s planned trip to Rome.

On a “Day of Resistance Against Dictatorship,” activists blocked major crossroads and tussled with police in Tel Aviv and other cities. A flotilla of paddleboards and kayaks were deployed to block a shipping lane off the northern city of Haifa.

Yesterday’s disruptions also hit the visit of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, whose schedule has been rearranged to keep his commitments close to the airport.

Since the plans were unveiled in January, Israel has seen some of the largest demonstrations in years. If passed, they would limit the powers of the Supreme Court and give the government more say in appointing judges.

The government says reforms will strengthen democracy, but critics say they will undermine it and politicize the judiciary.

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