As of: 01/28/2023 9:42 p.m
Despite the terrorist attacks in the country, tens of thousands of people in Israel have again protested against the new government’s planned judicial reform. Some speak of a possible end to Israeli democracy.
For the fourth Saturday night in a row, tens of thousands demonstrated in Israel against the new government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli media reported.
There was yesterday and today in East Jerusalem two attacks, in which at least nine people died and several were injured. Demonstrators lit candles and observed a minute’s silence to commemorate the victims.
The government wants to weaken the judicial system
As in previous weeks, the protest was primarily directed against the government’s plan to weaken the judicial system. Justice Minister Jariv Levin’s plans envisage, among other things, that a majority in parliament should be sufficient to pass a law – even if the Supreme Court deems it unconstitutional. Levin accuses the Supreme Court of overly interfering in political decisions. Some observers warn that democracy in Israel could end if the plans go ahead.
The way the government treats Palestinians was also criticized in some cases during the demonstrations. “There is no democracy under occupation,” read one sign, for example.
Anti-government protests have been going on in Israel for several weeks. More than 100,000 people took part in a mass rally in Tel Aviv last weekend.