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Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets to protest the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. PHOTO/Reuters
The protests presented an initial challenge to Netanyahu and his ultranationalist Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has ordered police to take tough action if protesters block roads or raise Palestinian flags.
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As reported by AP, police said the crowd in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square had swelled to 80,000 people by 9 p.m., despite the cold and rain. Protesters, many covered by umbrellas, held Israeli flags and signs reading “Criminal Government,” “End of Democracy” and other slogans.
Among the protesters were several opposition politicians including Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, has made overhauling the country’s legal system a centerpiece of his agenda.
In office for just over two weeks, Netanyahu’s government has unveiled proposals to weaken the Supreme Court by giving parliament the power to overturn court decisions by a simple majority. He also wants to give parliament control over the appointment of judges and reduce the independence of legal advisers.
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Justice Minister Netanyahu said unelected judges had too much power. But opponents of the plan say the proposed changes would undermine Israel’s democracy. Israeli opposition leaders, the former attorney general and the president of Israel’s Supreme Court all oppose the plan.
Changes to the law could help Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, avoid punishment, or even make his trial disappear altogether. Since being indicted in 2019, Netanyahu has said the justice system is biased against him.
One protester, Michael, 24, who did not want to reveal his last name, was among those participating in West Jerusalem. He told Anadolu Agency that the Netanyahu government is “trying to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court” with the new judiciary regulations.
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He described the reforms the government was trying to put in place as “absolutely absurd”. He added that democracy needs “judges and members of the Supreme Court who will defend the rights of everyone”.
Another protester, Sharon, 25, said the High Court should not be “in the hands of the coalition government and should remain impartial”. “The court must not consist of people with prejudice,” he said.
(esn)
