The governing coalition led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu passed a law that protects him from being deemed unfit to rule because of his corruption trial.
The law passed 61-47 in the 120-seat Knesset.
It states that a prime minister can only be deemed unfit to rule due to health or mental reasons, and only the Knesset or the government can make that decision.
Netanyahu is on trial for fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in a series of scandals involving wealthy associates and powerful media moguls.
Critics argue that the legal overhaul the government is pushing could provide Netanyahu with an escape route from the charges.
On the same day, protesters demonstrated against the changes, blocking traffic on main highways and scuffling with police.
The protests aim to raise an alarm over what they perceive as the country's descent toward autocracy.
The unrest shows no signs of abating, with dozens of people, including protest leaders, being arrested
The controversial judicial overhaul comprises several laws, which the government says aim to streamline the legal system and increase judicial efficiency.
However, critics argue that the laws would undermine judicial independence and strengthen the government's control over the judiciary.