Israel’s technology sector comes to a virtual standstill in protest of Netanyahu’s plans to weaken Supreme Court

Israel’s tech industry is protesting Benjamin Netanyahu’s government plans to limit the judiciary’s powers with a general strike on Monday, bringing many local companies and start-ups to a near standstill throughout the day. <br><br>Many employees, including some top executives and company owners, won’t be coming to work, while companies like Wix, ironSource and Verbit have given their employees time off to join demonstrations or otherwise support the protests. <br><br>However, companies like Google, Microsoft and Intel won’t be shutting down their local operations, although some have said they’ll allow employees to take time off for demonstrations. Intel has allowed its employees to take time off only if they can ensure that their absence doesn’t cause significant disruptions to their work.<br><br>Israel’s tech industry accounts for almost half of the country’s exports, providing around 15% of the country’s tax revenue and employing about 13% of the workforce. Therefore, this general strike in the sector may have serious implications for Israel’s economy, and could impact the government’s plans to overhaul the judiciary. <br><br>I report live on the protests that have taken place across Israel for the past 10 weeks against Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to weaken the judiciary. <br><br>Demonstrators argue that the plans would undermine Israel's democracy, and tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to voice their opposition. Many are worried that these changes will lead to increased corruption and undermine the independence of the judiciary.<br><br>The tech industry's strike adds to the growing resistance against Netanyahu’s government, which also includes strikes from Tel Aviv’s restaurants and shops.