By Helen Regan, Adam Renton, Rob Picheta, Ed Upright and Aditi Sangal, CNN

Updated 1:26 p.m. ET, March 27, 2023

Latest status: Israel’s judicial overhaul legislation will be put on hold until the next session of the Knesset, after the Passover recess in April, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s Jewish Power party said in a statement Monday.

Background: The statement comes as parts of Israel have been brought to a standstill after the country’s largest trade union federation announced a “historic” strike Monday to protest the plan. Workers from multiple sectors have joined the strike, shutting down transportation, universities, restaurants and retailers in protest.

The strikes and mass protests were sparked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fire his defense minister after he spoke out against the planned legislation.

Under the proposals, the government would have control over the appointment of judges, and parliament would gain the power to override Supreme Court decisions. Opponents say the plan threatens the foundations of Israeli democracy.