TENS of thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday against their far-right government’s plans to overhaul the legal system.

This comes three days after parliament advanced a Bill that would enable lawmakers to overturn a Supreme Court decision with a simple majority.

The “Supreme Court override” Bill’s approval in a preliminary vote in the Knesset was the latest step by Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling ultra-right-wing coalition toward realising the judicial overhaul that is steaming ahead despite calls for dialogue and consensus from US Jews and Israel’s president, and the weekly mass protests.

In addition to weakening the country’s highest court, the protesters say the proposed changes threaten Israel’s democratic values and concentrate power with the ruling coalition in parliament.

Mr Netanyahu and his ruling coalition believe the court has had unchecked power for years.

For eight weeks, the weekly protests have gained momentum, with large sectors of Israeli society and businesses joining them.

On Saturday, the main protest took place in the central city of Tel Aviv along numerous smaller demonstrations across the country.

The protesters held Israeli flags, flares and posters with different messages against the judicial overhauls. “No Constitution, No Democracy,” said one placard.

Some demonstrators stood behind a banner reading: “We Shall Override,” referring to the vote.