Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suspended a controversial judicial overhaul plan that sparked mass protests and strikes across the country.

Netanyahu on Monday announced a roughly one-month suspension of the plan, which would make it possible for parliament to override the Supreme Court's decisions. He said he wanted to avoid civil war.

Opponents deem the overhaul a threat to democracy. Netanyahu's decision on Sunday to fire defense minister Yoav Gallant, who called for the cancellation of the plan, triggered further backlash from the public.

Chaos deepened on Monday, with strikes taking place at universities and companies, as well as Ben Gurion airport.

The situation shows no signs of abating, as the government remains determined to push ahead with the overhaul despite mass protests. A far-right cabinet member called for counter demonstrations.