The government’s judicial plan has set off frenzied resistance at home and abroad, prompted mass demonstrations for 12 weeks and counting, and caused disquiet among investors. Perhaps the most consequential opposition, however, has come from within the country’s influential military.

Thousands of reservists have warned that they would no longer volunteer for duty if the overhaul goes ahead. The military leadership has privately warned political leaders that it is on the verge of reducing the scope of certain operations because so many reservists have already pulled out.

The warnings led the defence minister, Yoav Gallant, to caution that Israel’s national security was under threat. Prime Minister Netanyahu then fired Gallant late on Sunday, prompting mass unrest. The reservists’ resistance is particularly significant because, unlike in most countries, Israeli reservists play a crucial role in parts of the military, particularly in the air force. Officials say that Israel’s ability to strike Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities or Iranian-linked targets in Syria depends significantly on the involvement of reserve pilots.