Israeli media said that police suppressed thousands of demonstrators against the "judicial amendments" in downtown Tel Aviv, and used wastewater against them for allegedly trying to block the street, despite the announcement that the amendments were suspended.
For the 13th consecutive week, protests continue against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial amendments, despite suspending a decision last week, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to demand their repeal altogether.
The broadcaster reported that a number of attacks by Israeli police officers against demonstrators in Tel Aviv were documented.
According to the commission, demonstrators blocked a number of intersections and main streets in Tel Aviv (center), and set off fireworks, and it also reported that the demonstrations witnessed the raising of US flags, for the first time.
The commission added that police arrested 3 young men in possession of offensive weapons and pepper spray, near a demonstration in Tel Aviv.
Other cities around the world also witnessed sporadic demonstrations, including Haifa (north), Rehovot and Jerusalem (center), and Beersheba (south).
Israeli media put the number of participants in nationwide anti-government protests on Saturday at more than 150,<>.
Protesters carried flags and marched through the city center chanting "democracy", holding banners condemning Netanyahu's government, and smaller marches were held in other cities.
Negotiations for a solution
Amid domestic turmoil and a sense of anxiety and resentment in Washington, Netanyahu on Monday suspended judicial amendments to allow negotiations between his religious-nationalist coalition and opposition parties to reach a compromise.
On Tuesday, representatives of most parties in the Knesset began talks at President Isaac Herzog's residence to try to draft legislation that would be acceptable to both sides of the political spectrum.
Many political commentators and opposition figures have expressed doubts about the chances of Herzog's mediation efforts, while the ruling coalition has confirmed that it will complete the passage of legislation in the next parliamentary session if talks fail.
One of the main sticking points is that the ruling coalition is seeking more powers regarding the appointment of judges, including the Supreme Court.
Opponents see the government's bid as a threat to judicial independence and an attempted legal coup, while supporters say the amendments are aimed at countering judges' interference in politics.
Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges he denies, says the changes are needed to balance the branches of government. His Likud party and far-right political allies called on their political base to organize counter-demonstrations.
The protests began in January after the ruling coalition announced a package of legal amendments that the government says are necessary to restore the balance of power between lawmakers and the judiciary.
The proposed amendments limit the power of the Supreme Court and give politicians greater power to choose judges, which opponents say could threaten Israeli democracy.