Thousands Protest in Tel Aviv Against Netanyahu’s Government Policies as Prime Minister Heads to USA

Before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s departure for the USA, thousands of people once again protested against his government’s policies at a rally in Tel Aviv, according to media reports. Protesters carried a giant replica of Israel’s Declaration of Independence on Sunday evening.

At a meeting of the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on Tuesday, a lawyer said on behalf of the government that the Declaration of Independence was not legally binding. This was criticized by the protest movement and the opposition.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been repeated huge protests against a judicial restructuring pushed forward by Netanyahu’s right-wing, religious government. Despite the ongoing protests, Parliament passed a first amendment to the law at the end of July. This deprives the Supreme Court of the opportunity to take action against “inappropriate” decisions by the government, the Prime Minister or individual ministers.

Critics fear that this could encourage corruption and the arbitrary appointment of important positions. The government argues that the Supreme Court is too powerful.

Netanyahu also wants to meet with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Netanyahu is visiting the United States for the first time since returning to office at the end of last year. A direct invitation to the White House from Netanyahu is still officially pending.

In the summer, Biden and Netanyahu agreed to meet “in the fall.” Observers see this as an expression that Biden is dissatisfied with the policies of Netanyahu’s government.