That Israel was a "Jewish state" was made clear in its declaration of independence in 1948. Yet, many have argued that Israel is not a theocracy since the country has no official religion
The government says democracy is under threat without changes, the critics say curbing Supreme Court will undermine democracy, but for many protesters, the judicial plans have become the front line in a battle for Israel's identity.
For a ruling coalition that relies on settlers pushing to tighten Israel's grip on the West Bank and ultra-Orthodox religious parties, the court is an enemy of democracy because it has too often overruled parliament