IN PHOTOS | Months-long protests in Israel subside as PM Netanyahu delays legal reforms

A driver tries to remove a barrier placed by protesters against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan outside the parliament in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, March 27, 2023. Critics say the legislative package would hobble the country’s system of checks and balances. Tens of thousands of people, largely secular, middle-class Israelis, have regularly joined mass protests against it. (Photo | AP)

Tens of thousands Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan outside the parliament in Jerusalem, on March 27, 2023. Following the protest, Netanyahu said he wanted 'to avoid a civil war' and would seek a compromise with political opponents. (Photo | AP)

Anti-government protestors burn tires near Beit Yanai, Israel, Monday, March 27, 2023. Tens of thousands Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan. (Photo | AP)

A line of protesters supporting women's rights, dressed as characters from The Handmaid's Tale television series, and other Israelis protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (Photo | AP)

His announcement appeared to calm some of the tensions that have fueled months of unrest. But it failed to address the underlying issues that have polarized Israelis. Netanyahu leads the most right-wing government in Israeli history and and his allies have vowed to enact the legislation. Demonstrators who protested outside the Parliament turned the streets surrounding the building and the Supreme Court into a roiling sea of blue-and-white Israeli flags dotted with rainbow Pride banners. (Photo | AP)

The overhaul would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nation’s judges. It would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the court’s ability to review laws. (Photo | AP)

Business leaders, top economists and former security chiefs have all come out against the plan, saying it is pushing the country toward an autocracy. Fighter pilots and military reservists have threatened not to report for duty, and the country’s currency, the shekel, has tumbled in value. (Photo | AP)

The situation escalated on Sunday night after Netanyahu abruptly fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had urged him to put his plan on hold, citing concerns about damage to the Israeli military. (Photo | AP)

Chanting “the country is on fire,” furious protesters lit bonfires on Tel Aviv’s main highway, closing the thoroughfare and many others throughout the country for hours. (Photo | AP)