TEL AVIV, Israel —On Monday, there was growing opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to overhaul the judiciary, with the ceremonial head of state of the nation calling for an immediate halt to the legal changes. Universities nationwide closed their doors in protest, and trade unions were expected to call for a general strike.

After tens of thousands of people spontaneously took to the streets across the nation to protest Netanyahu's decision to fire his defense minister after he requested a pause on the overhaul, there has been an increase in opposition to the plan in recent hours.

Isaac Herzog, Israel's ceremonial president, urged Netanyahu to stop the overhaul immediately and urged the administration to put aside political considerations for the country's good.

"Deep worry grips the entire country." He declared that our society, economy, and security are all in danger. "Get up now!"

The overhaul has sparked one of Israel's worst domestic crises, garnering strong opposition from business executives, government representatives, and even the military.

In addition to the demonstrations, universities all over the nation closed "until further notice" in opposition to the government's determination to move forward with the plan. A trade union umbrella group was reportedly prepared to declare a general strike and announce that it was joining the protesters.

With this week's parliamentary vote on the centerpiece of the reform, Netanyahu's administration still seemed to be moving forward. The governing coalition would have the final say in all judicial appointments under this law. Additionally, it wants to limit judicial review of laws and pass legislation that would give parliament the power to overturn Supreme Court rulings.

The plan, according to Netanyahu and his allies, will rebalance the judicial and executive branches and restrain what they perceive to be an interventionist court with liberal sympathies.

However, detractors claim that the laws will eliminate Israel's checks and balances and consolidate power in the hands of the ruling coalition. Additionally, they claim that Netanyahu, who is accused of corruption and is on trial, has a conflict of interest.