Named the “reasonableness” bill, the legislation, ratified by the Knesset despite significant opposition, restricts the judicial power to contest decisions taken by the government that might be seen as rash or unreasonable.

President Biden’s administration dubbed the move “unfortunate,” expressing regret over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s disregard for the president’s suggestion to secure a broader political consensus.

Many Israeli reservists have said they will decline military service, putting Mr Netanyahu’s coalition at risk of a potential security crisis.

Mr Netanyahu defended the legal changes as “a necessary democratic step”, saying during a televised address: “We passed the amendment on reasonableness so that the elected government can carry out policy in line with the decision of the majority of the citizens of the country.”

He added: “We all have to agree on one thing, the IDF must stay out of any political controversy. We all know that the IDF relies on dedicated reservists who love the country. The call for refusal harms the security of all citizens of the country… I call on you, our brothers and sisters who serve in the reserves: leave the service in the IDF out of the debate.”

After the bill’s passing a vehicle ploughed into a group of protestors, causing injuries to three people, according to the Israeli police.

The controversial reforms have revealed a deep divide in Israeli society between religious conservatives, who are in favour of the changes, and secular liberals who oppose them. Detractors of the bill say it constitutes a legal “coup”, while supporters argue that it is necessary in the face of unelected judges wielding excessive power over ministers.