The Israeli parliament voted in favor of the first in a series of proposed reforms to the country's judicial system, despite widespread protests.

The vote in the Knesset was 64-0, with all members of the opposition boycotting the vote on a measure that reduces the power of the country's Supreme Court. The law limits the ability of the high court to strike down laws from the legislative body.

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Proponents of the efforts, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, say they are looking to check the powers of the judiciary and say it is made up of unelected people who have stepped into political debates in recent years.

The reforms would change the power afforded to the judiciary, along with changing how the judges on the courts are selected. Israel has no written constitution.

Opponents of the changes argue the reforms would erode one of the checks to the Knesset's power. Lawmakers in the opposition left the chamber after shouting "shame" before the vote on the measure was held, according to the Associated Press.

The reforms have been a key issue for Netanyahu since he returned to power as prime minister of Israel in December. Since the efforts were announced, widespread protests in the Middle Eastern country have occurred on the street, with the matter polarizing citizens.

The vote comes a week after Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Washington, D.C., meeting with President Joe Biden and addressing a joint session. During Herzog's visit, Netanyahu was looming over the trip, with the White House inviting the prime minister to visit later in 2023.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a statement Monday calling the vote "unfortunate" but are hopeful for "broader compromise" with further reforms.

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"As a lifelong friend of Israel, President Biden has publicly and privately expressed his views that major changes in a democracy to be enduring must have as broad a consensus as possible. It is unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority," Jean-Pierre said.

"We understand talks are ongoing and likely to continue over the coming weeks and months to forge a broader compromise even with the Knesset in recess. The United States will continue to support the efforts of President Herzog and other Israeli leaders as they seek to build a broader consensus through political dialogue," she added.