Departures from the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport (TLV) have been suspended as violent protests and outbreaks gain momentum in Israel.

The suspension of flight departures from the main international airport came in the wake of the Histadrut trade union’s nationwide protests against the Israeli government’s proposed judicial reforms.

The Histadrut labour union had now called for nationwide strike, and airport workers at the major airport were amongst the first to take action.

According to the local news source the Times of Israel, the head of the workers union at Ben Gurion Airport ordered the cessation of flight departures.

Elsewhere, protesters in Tel Aviv also blocked a major highway and have been responsible for lighting large fires.

Protesters have also tangled with police scuffled in a gathering outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private home in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu has come under increasing pressure to put a stop to his government’s plan to rehash the Israeli judicial system, as strikes threaten to widen nationally.

The chaos spread quickly through this morning Monday 27 March, after it was learned that Prime Minister Netanyahu had sacked his defence minister overnight. The Minister was reportedly the first member of cabinet to call for a halt of the proposed legislation change.

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About Ben Gurion Airport

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is the main international airport in Israel and is located near the city of Tel Aviv. It is named after David Ben-Gurion, one of the founders of modern Israel and its first prime minister.

Ben Gurion Airport is the busiest airport in Israel and serves as a hub for many international airlines.

UPDATE 1300 UTC

Some flight activity appears to be resuming at Ben Gurion International Airport, though some flight disruptions and delays remain evident.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.