The Israeli Prime Minister’s wife was rescued from a hair salon by security forces after protesters blocked the entrance, demanding an end to the government’s plan for legal reforms.

Sara Netanyahu was whisked out of the hairdresser’s on Wednesday evening after being trapped there for several hours while demonstrators chanted “shame” and “the country is burning and Sara is getting a haircut”.

Benjamin Netanyahu later posted a picture of himself on social media consoling his wife, with the caption: “My beloved wife, glad you returned home safely and unharmed. The anarchy must stop — it can cost lives.”

Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in weekly demonstrations this year demanding that Netanyahu abandon his proposals to overhaul the country’s legal system.

Critics of the reforms say they will hugely increase the government’s influence over the judiciary and neuter the Israeli supreme court.

Supporters say the move will strip the courts of a Leftwing bias. Polls suggest the changes are unpopular with the general public and business leaders who fear they could scare off investment.

During Wednesday’s rallies, Israelis waved national flags and blocked roads before marching on Tel Aviv where police deployed stun grenades, water cannon and tear gas on protesters.

The Daily Telegraph, London