Israel’s cabinet is set to approve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to fire the country’s domestic intelligence chief late on Thursday, defying thousands of protesters rallying against his removal and those of other security and judicial officials.

Israelis have been demonstrating against the action, which many see as part of an effort to reduce checks on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his domestic intelligence chief, extending a purge of rivals in the security establishment while further overhauling the cabinet that presided during the devastating Oct.