"National Disruption Day" protests turn violent in Israel as police fire stun grenades, water cannon

Weeks of anti-government protests in Israel turned violent on Wednesday as police fired stun grenades and a water cannon at demonstrators blocking a Tel Aviv highway. The crackdown came shortly after Israel’s hardline national security minister urged a “tough response” to what he said were “anarchists.”

The crackdown came as thousands across the country launched a “national disruption day” against the government’s plan to overhaul the country’s judicial system.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies say the program is meant to reduce the influence of unelected judges, but critics say Netanyahu is pushing the country toward authoritarian rule and that he has a clear conflict of interest as he stands trial on corruption charges.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was seen among the protesters on Wednesday. At least five people were arrested.

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