(VINnews) — The highly charged political atmosphere in Israel over judicial reforms has reached a boiling point, as the Knesset will convene Monday to pass the hotly contested first stage of the reforms, reducing the court’s ability to use the reasonability clause regarding executive authorities. Supporters of the law say that it is critical in order for the elected government to be able to carry out its policies, while opponents claim that neutering the court’s ability to critique government actions will make the government a dictatorship without checks or balances.

On Sunday, despite a searing heat wave with 95° temperatures, the entire country was inundated with demonstrators, as anti-reform demonstrators came to Jerusalem to vent their anger over the legislation, while pro-reform demonstrators thronged to the center of Tel Aviv to express their support for government moves and demand the completion of all the slated reforms. In between the two camps, there was also a prayer demonstration at the Western Wall calling for unity and compromise before such contentious legislation is adopted.

Prayer vigil at the Western Wall by pro and anti-reform elements calling for unity

All of the opposing parties waved numerous Israeli flags and spoke of their patriotic affection for the country. Thus it was not always possible to identify the protesters viewpoints until their slogans and placards were presented.

On Sunday night, after the demonstrations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the two opposing groups met on the escalator in the Jerusalem train station, with the pro-reform members returning to Jerusalem and anti-reform demonstrators returning to the Tel Aviv area. In a spontaneous gesture of unity, some of the demonstrators held hands with opponents while they rode the escalator.