After the speech, two MPs from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party walked out and voiced their support for Gallant's demands, and agriculture minister Avi Dichter has also asked Netanayhu to pull the brakes, according to media reports, The Times of Israel reports.

Far-right security minister Itamar Ben Gvir, for his part, demanded that Gallant be kicked out of government.

Calls for retake

Gallant said in his televised speech that the bill to increase political power over the Supreme Court has created an anger that cleaves Israeli society, including the armed forces.

He urged Netanayhu to make a retake and engage in dialogue with critics to chisel out a reform that could gain wider acceptance.

- If only one side wins, whether in the streets or inside the Knesset, then the State of Israel is the big loser.

Military force affected

During the protests, which have been going on for months, Israeli reserve soldiers and reserve officers have signed petitions against the bill, threatening to be absent from duty if the plans go through. Some have called the government's plans a "coup d'état".

Earlier this week, it was reported that only 57 percent of reservists in the elite 551st Parachute Brigade signed up for duty as planned. Normally, nine out of ten participate, writes The Times of Israel.

Hundreds of thousands demonstrated

Large demonstrations have been held every Saturday for three months. On Saturday, more than 630,000 people demonstrated around Israel, organizers said. In Tel Aviv alone, close to 300,000 people are reported to have attended.

The bill means, among other things, that parliament will be able to review Supreme Court rulings and that politicians will have greater influence over nominations of judges to the same court.

It also legally protects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the trial in which he faces charges of corruption.