Gallant calls on public figures on both the Right and Left to keep politics out of the IDF. Retired IAF officers back reservists, including former Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz.
The US, which has called for the independence of the judiciary to be protected and urged Netanyahu to try to build consensus for his reform proposals, issues statement calling on Israel to respect the right to peacefully assemble.
Anti-overhaul activists have called for nationwide mass demonstrations throughout the day, including protests at Israel's main international airport that could disrupt travel.
With the major part of the judicial overhaul – a measure preventing justices from overruling ministerial decisions – passing its first reading, demonstrators vow to stage protests nationwide, including at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
Big Shopping Centers says it will shut all its stores on Tuesday if the controversial legislation is passed, but later walks backs comments due to political pressure.
The economic and defense package comes amid the deteriorating security situation in Judea and Samaria.
Police say ahead of the demonstrations they would not tolerate attempts to damage infrastructure or hurt officers.
"I'm attentive to the public pulse, and to what I think will pass muster," the prime minister tells the Wall Street Journal.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticizes the renewed threats by airmen, saying they "undermine the basic values of the army as the people's army – and threaten its competence."
After an outpouring of support from other lawmakers and the public, an effort is underway to change the bylaw.
