TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night to protest plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government to overhaul the judicial system, measures that opponents say imperil the country’s democratic fundamentals.
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Israeli media, citing police, said some 100,000 people were out protesting.
Huge protests in Israel against Netanyahu’s plan to weaken the independence of the judiciary and thus weaken democracy. pic.twitter.com/n7x3Ui3qgc
— Frida Ghitis (@FridaGhitis) January 21, 2023
The protest followed another demonstration last week that also drew tens of thousands in an early challenge to Netanyahu and his ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox government — the most right-wing in Israeli history.
The government says a power imbalance has given judges and government legal advisers too much sway over lawmaking and governance. Netanyahu has pledged to press on with the changes despite the opposition.
Protesters filled central streets in the seaside metropolis, raising Israeli flags and banners that read “Our Children will not Live in a Dictatorship” and “Israel, We Have A Problem.”
“This is a protest to defend the country,” said opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who joined the protest. “People came here today to protect their democracy.”
“All generations are concerned. This is not a joke,” said Lior Student, a protester. “This is a complete redefinition of democracy.”
Other protests took place in the cities of Jerusalem, Haifa and Beersheba.
In addition to the protests, pressure has built up on Netanyahu’s government after the country’s attorney general asked Netanyahu to fire a key Cabinet ally following a Supreme Court ruling that disqualified him from holding a government post because of a conviction of tax offenses.
Tens of thousands in #TelAviv and more than a hundred thousand across #Israel protest #Netanyahu's assault on democracy. Will no go gentle into the night. pic.twitter.com/Ayeee18KRT
— Dr. Ilan Manor (@Ilan_Manor) January 21, 2023
While Netanyahu was expected to heed the court ruling, it only deepened the rift in the country over the judicial system and the power of the courts.
Earlier this week, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, vowed to continue with the judicial overhaul plans despite the protests. Opponents say the changes could help Netanyahu evade conviction in his corruption trial, or make the court case disappear altogether.
One protester said she thinks the judicial changes are meant to protect Netanyahu. “The aim is to save only one person and one only — this is Mr. Netanyahu, from his trial, and that’s why I’m here.”
On Friday, Netanyahu’s coalition was put for a new test after a disagreement between Cabinet members over the dismantling of an unauthorized settlement outpost in the West Bank.
Defense Minister Yoav Galant, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, ordered the removal of the outpost, upsetting a pro-settlement Cabinet member who had issued a directive to postpone the eviction pending further discussions.
I hope they weren’t blocking any streets or roads. I hope they were all wearing their disposable masks properly. I hope no one missed their plane flights. I hope no one died, being stuck on a bus, unable to get home in time for their medication. That would be a terrible chilul Hashem and a cause of aiva.
How come those lefties did so poor at the election
Sore losers. Who is financing these protests?
This reform is loooooong overdue. It’s crazy how much power the courts have and that the people have no say in who succeeds a retiring judge. The court reflects the alter cocker leftist socialists from a hundred years ago.
I hope the government realizes and remembers, as Netanyahu said, the ultimate protest occurred on Election Day when millions voted for the current government.
These are leftists. They are way outnumbered by the right. Without the Arab parties they are a small minority.
Soros puppets amazing how much evil 1 man does
I am sure that just like in the US, 99% or more of the protesters have no idea what they’re protesting for or against. They’re just fed lies by the promoters, and they yell and scream like there’s no tomorrow. Thank G-d there are some voices of reason out there, like the WSJ, and not like Thomas Friedman…
The very same stooges that rail against theocracy have no issue with autocracy. What a joke! Courts are supposed adjudicate the law, not make law. If the court can make law, call it a legislature, not a court.
What brocho does one make on seeing a gathering of 100,000 Jews? Is one allowed to make a brocho in the presence of a pride flag, or is that considered tzoiah? So many questions…
they are welcome to leave if they want, the people chose it, its 100 percent democracy.
Sore losers.
You lost in the elections. Deal with it.
It seems from these pictures that the left inclined faction of Israel are not a very good looking bunch. Kinda like our liberals here in Diaspora
Nu nu the charedm have 500,000 pro this govt and anti thx ieftv