As of: 04/15/2023 9:59 PM
According to media reports, more than 100,000 people took to the streets in Tel Aviv alone against judicial reform, which was initially halted by the government. The opposition doubts the possibility of reaching a compromise.
Although judicial reform has been put on hold for the time being, tens of thousands once again demonstrated in Israel against the government’s plans. According to media reports, some 115,000 people took part in the main rally in Tel Aviv, which was held there for the 15th consecutive Saturday. Tens of thousands also took to the streets in about 150 other places in the country, such as Haifa and Jerusalem.
Protesters waved Israeli flags and put up banners criticizing the National Guard, which was set up under the leadership of far-right police minister Itamar Ben Gvir and is said to operate alongside the police and army. Critics warn that Ben Gvir may use the forces specifically against anti-government protesters. According to the Minister of Police, he wanted to take part in a counter-protest.
“space for dialogue”
After protests and a general strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the controversial judicial reform for a few weeks at the end of March in order to “make room for dialogue”. However, the opposition is skeptical that the government wants to compromise.
With judicial reform, Netanyahu’s coalition wants to reduce the influence of the Supreme Court and expand the position of power for the government. The court is accused of excessive interference in political decisions. In the future, Parliament should be able to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority.
Critics of the planned changes see Israel’s separation of powers at risk and warn of a state crisis if reform is implemented in this way.
Mass protests in Israel against judicial reform continued unabated
Clemens Ferenkot, ARD Vienna, Apr 15, 2023 11:19 pm
