For the past 29 weeks, protesters have rallied against Mr Netanyahu and his fragile far-right coalition’s plan to overhaul the judiciary which, critics say, will remove the checks and balances necessary for a democracy.
While the protests succeeded in postponing the bill, the situation is coming to a head this week.
The bill is due for second and third readings in parliament on Monday. If approved, it would be the first major component of the proposed legal overhaul to become law.
Other proposals include giving the government a greater say in the appointment of judges.
On Friday more than 1,100 air force reservists announced they would suspend volunteer service if parliament passes the bill next week.
“We all share a responsibility to stop the deep division, polarisation and rift among the people,” the reservists said in a declaration whose signatories included 235 fighter pilots, 173 drone operators, and 85 commando soldiers.
Any legislation carried out in an “unreasonable manner would erode my agreement to keep risking my life and would force me, with great sorrow, to suspend my voluntary reserve service,” the signatories said.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said he was “taking measures in order to reach a wide consensus”.
Mr Netanyahu, too, said late on Thursday he was “still trying to reach an agreement with the opposition”, mainly on the “reasonability” clause that allows the judiciary to strike down government decisions.
