Around a quarter of a million people took to the streets in several Israeli cities to protest the controversial judicial reform. In the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, a large demonstration took place for the ninth consecutive Saturday night. According to media reports, around 160,000 people participated. According to police estimates, it was the biggest demonstration since the beginning of the protests, wrote the newspaper Haaretz today.
According to Tel Aviv police, about 200 protesters broke through a barrier and blocked the main road connecting to Jerusalem. A water cannon was used. According to media reports, arrests were made. At a protest in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, there were already violent clashes and several demonstrators were injured. There were allegations of excessive police violence.
Judiciary reform is advancing despite violent protests by much of the population. According to media reports, the first phase could be approved in an accelerated procedure by April. According to the plans of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government, parliament should in future be able to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority. In addition, politicians should have more influence in the appointment of judges.
Reform can play into Netanyahu’s hands
The proposed law could also play in favor of the head of government in a corruption case that has been going on against him 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 town of Howara.
Critics see the separation of powers endangered as a result of the reform. They warn that Israel could turn into a dictatorship. The government, on the other hand, argues that the Supreme Court currently wields too much political influence.
There is also resistance to judicial reform in the Israeli military. 37 out of 40 fighter pilots in Fighter Wing 69 have refused to start their reserve training, Israeli media reported today. Instead, they wanted to protest the reform this week in front of government institutions. Reservists from other units also threatened to refuse service if the initiative was implemented.