TEL AVIV, Jan 14 (Portal) – Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in three major cities on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for judicial reform, with organizers accusing him of undermining democratic rule weeks after his re-election.
On a religious-nationalist coalition with a solid parliamentary majority, Netanyahu, now in his sixth term, wants to rein in the Supreme Court in what he describes as restoring the balance of the three branches of government.
Critics say the proposed reforms would cripple the independence of the judiciary, encourage corruption, set back minority rights and strip credibility from the Israeli court system, which helps ward off accusations of war crimes abroad. Among the opponents are the chief justice of the Supreme Court and the country’s attorney general.
After President Isaac Herzog appealed to polarized politicians to “lower the temperatures” at the debates, organizers of the demonstrations – which took place in the cold winter rains – sought to send a signal of national unity.
“Take an Israeli flag in one hand, an umbrella in the other and come out to protect democracy and justice in the State of Israel,” said centrist ex-Defense Secretary Benny Gantz, who attended the Tel Aviv rally attended, but like other opposition figures, was unaddressed.
“We keep our common home,” read a protester’s placard. Netanyahu was guilty of a “legal coup,” said another.
[1/8] Israelis protest in a main square in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 14, 2023 against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new right-wing coalition and its proposed judicial reforms to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court. Portal/ Ilan Rosenberg
Israeli media put the number of those present at around 80,000, with thousands more at protests in Jerusalem and Haifa.
Social media footage showed a small number of Palestinian flags defying Netanyahu’s far-right allies. One of them, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, told Kan TV he wanted to remove such flags but was awaiting the Attorney General’s opinion before ordering police action.
Netanyahu, 73, signaled flexibility on the reform plan on Friday, saying it would be implemented “with careful consideration and consultation of all positions.”
Opinion polls on public opinion on the reforms are divided. Channel 13 TV found last week that 53% of Israelis were against changing the structure of court hearings, while 35% were in favor. But Channel 14 TV on Thursday found 61% in favor and 35% against.
Supreme Court critics say it is overblown and unrepresentative of the electorate. Its proponents call the court a means to bring balance to a fractured society.
“Tens of thousands of people took part in the demonstrations tonight. Millions voted in the elections held here two and a half months ago,” tweeted Miki Zohar, a senior lawmaker in Netanyahu’s conservative Likud party.
“We promised people change, we promised governance, we promised reforms – and we will deliver.”
writing by Dan Williams; Edited by Christina Fincher and Mark Potter
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