'It's a judicial coup trying to change the very basic fundamental pillars of Israel democracy'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to be airlifted Thursday to the country's main international airport for an overseas trip after throngs of cars and protesters prevented him from driving there. The demonstrations were part of nationwide protests underway for more than two months against Netanyahu and his government's contentious plan to overhaul the judiciary. Demonstrators made blocking Netanyahu's airport route Thursday a centerpiece of their efforts — the optics of the Israeli leader having to make alternate travel plans a win for the protest movement. Israel's figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, who has been trying to mediate a compromise between Netanyahu's allies and the opposition, appealed for a solution in a televised speech late Thursday. For more on the controversial judicial overhaul and the ensuing protests, FRANCE 24 is joined by Yossi Mekelberg, Professor of International Relations at Webster University and Associate Fellow of the MENA Program at Chatham House. 🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen 🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN 🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/ Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen Follow us on Twitter: https://f24.my/TWen Discover the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen