As of: 03/04/2023 9:36 p.m
The controversial judicial reform in Israel clears more hurdles – and the protest does not abate in the ninth week: According to media reports, 160,000 people took to the streets in Tel Aviv alone.
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in several Israeli cities to protest against the controversial judicial reform. In the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, there was a major rally on the ninth Saturday evening, according to media reports, around 160,000 demonstrators took part.
riots on Wednesday
Protests also broke out in other cities such as Haifa and Netanya. Police chief Kobi Schabtai stressed that the main road connecting Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would not be allowed to be blocked again. Violent confrontations broke out at a protest in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Eleven injured demonstrators had to be treated in hospital and 39 people were arrested. There were complaints of excessive police violence.
The reform of the judiciary is progressing despite violent protests from large parts of the population. According to plans by the right-wing religious government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, parliament should in future be able to overturn decisions of the Supreme Court with a simple majority. In addition, politicians should be given more influence in the appointment of judges. The proposed law could also play into the head of government’s hands in a corruption trial that has been going on against Netanyahu for some time.
Netanyahu caused outrage on Wednesday when he drew a comparison between anti-reform protesters and violent settlers who wreaked havoc after an attack in the Palestinian city of Huwara.
Critics see the separation of powers in danger as a result of the reform. The government, on the other hand, argues that the Supreme Court currently exercises too much political influence.