Tens of thousands of Israelis have participated in protests in Tel Aviv and other cities, expressing their opposition to proposed changes to the judicial system. Demonstrators argue that these changes could lead to a more authoritarian government. The protests have been a consistent form of pressure against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, which came to power in December with the support of ultra-Orthodox Jewish and extreme-right allies.
Israeli media estimated that around 150,000 people attended the Saturday protest in Tel Aviv, which marked the 27th demonstration since the proposed changes were announced in January. The protest took place ahead of a parliamentary vote on a key provision of the proposed judicial overhaul scheduled for Monday.
Historian Yuval Noah Harari addressed the rally, stating that action is necessary against what the Netanyahu government is doing to the country and the Israeli dream. He warned that if the government does not change its course, they will witness the consequences of public anger.
During the protest, approximately 100 demonstrators blocked a main highway in Tel Aviv, leading to the use of water cannons by the police to disperse them.
The government argues that the judicial changes, criticized for potentially granting politicians greater influence over the courts, are essential for achieving a better balance of power.
The protests had slightly subsided in late March when Netanyahu suspended the plan for compromise talks with opposition parties. However, last month, Netanyahu resumed his government’s pursuit of controlling what it perceives as an overreaching, left-leaning, and elitist Supreme Court, reigniting the protests. Netanyahu claims that the new proposals are more moderate than the original plan.
On Monday, the bill that would exclude the judiciary’s right to rule on the “reasonableness” of government decisions will have its first reading. One potential effect of the bill would be on the appointment of ministers, as it aims to limit judicial intervention. The government’s push to overhaul the judiciary has raised concerns about Israel’s democratic health and has also had an economic impact, with the shekel falling more than 5 percent since the protests began.
Protest organizers have announced a day of protest for Tuesday, indicating that the demonstrations will continue in the coming days.
