Israelis have protested outside parliament against the government's controversial judicial-reform plan, which will give parliament more control over the country’s supreme court.

The moves have been criticised amid complaints that they would give the legislative branch nearly unchecked authority.

Outside Israel's Knesset in Jerusalem, protesters waved placards that read ‘Save Israel’s democracy’ and ‘The whole world is watching’.

Up to 90,000 people protested, and President Isaac Herzog said in a speech that Israel was "on the verge of legal and social collapse".

Pause appeal

Herzog urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government to pause the legislative process, and hold talks with the opposition in hopes of reaching a compromise.

"I am appealing to you with a request not to introduce the bill for its first reading," Herzog said.

But the committee tasked with reviewing a plan in line with Justice Minister Yariv Levin's proposal approved sections of the legislation.