An American official and Hebrew media reported that the protests against the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have disrupted the program of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to Israel.
The US official said that the location of Austin's meetings with Israeli leaders has changed, and his arrival in Tel Aviv has been slightly delayed, due to the new demonstrations that are expected to take place again this evening, Wednesday, against Netanyahu.
He added that changes were made to the meetings scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, at the request of the Israeli government.
The "Axios" news website also reported that the US Secretary of Defense postponed his arrival in Israel until tomorrow because of the expected demonstrations tonight.
Massive demonstrations against Netanyahu have been going on for more than 9 weeks (Reuters)
without stating the reasons
For its part, the Hebrew "Walla" news website said that Austin's minister had postponed his visit to Israel until Thursday.
The site added that Austin, who was supposed to arrive in Israel this evening from Cairo, postponed his visit to tomorrow, without giving reasons.
Israeli sources had indicated that the US minister would hold talks with Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at a location near Tel Aviv airport, due to the demonstrations organized by the Israeli opposition.
In turn, the Israeli Army Radio said that the meeting is scheduled to take place at Ben Gurion Airport, and added that Austin will not leave the airport area at all.
About two months ago, crowds of Israelis demonstrated to denounce Netanyahu's plans, which he says are aimed at reforming the judiciary, while critics consider that they undermine his independence and constitute a coup against democracy.
Yesterday, the Knesset (Parliament) approved the first reading of the draft "Judicial Reform Law", but the bill needs to pass through 3 readings in the Knesset in order to become effective.