Israel's parliament passed a law on Thursday expanding the power of politicians over the appointment of judges in defiance of a years-long protest movement against the judicial reforms pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli parliament passed a law Thursday that changes the process of appointing judges and gives politicians more control over the process. Why it matters: The legislation is the central element of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul program,

Israel’s parliament has passed a key part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judiciary.