Status: 02/20/2023 17:10
In Israel, protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s judicial reforms continue. Thousands of people once again gathered in front of Parliament – because that is where deputies are discussing the first reading of the law today.
The Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is moving forward with restructuring the judicial system, despite mass protests. A vote on some of the controversial plans is scheduled for the evening.
Thousands of people gathered in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa to protest. In the early hours of the morning, protesters blocked the country’s central roads.
People also gathered in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem. “We are fighting for the future of our children, for the future of our country,” opposition leader Jair Lapid told members of his party at the parliament building. “We have no intention of giving up.”
Netanyahu insists on reform
Netanyahu insisted on reform and accused protesters of inciting violence. “The people exercised their right to vote and the people’s representatives will exercise their right to vote here in the Israeli Knesset. This is called democracy,” he told his Likud party. The protesters would “trample democracy”.
The aim of the controversial judicial reform is to allow Parliament to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority. Politicians should also have more influence in the appointment of judges.
The government argues that the reform is aimed at overhauling a judicial system that gives the government’s courts and legal advisers too much say in legislation.
People dressed as characters from the television series “The Handmaid’s Tale” demonstrated in Tel Aviv. Image: AFP
There were also protests outside the Knesset in Jerusalem. Image: EPA
Criticism: Separation of powers is abolished
Critics argue that the reform will eliminate the separation of powers and give the prime minister more power. Israeli President Izchak Herzog has called on the government to suspend the legislation and seek a compromise with the opposition.
Tens of thousands of Israelis have recently protested in cities every week, with an estimated 100,000 people gathering outside the Knesset in the past week alone. The US, Israel’s most important ally, has also warned against reform.
A total of three readings are needed to pass the bill, which will likely take several months. However, the first reading and voting is a sign of the coalition’s determination to continue the process that triggered one of the biggest internal political crises in the country.
No more licenses for settlements for now
On another topic, however, some calm may return. Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel will no longer issue permits for new settlements in the West Bank in the coming months.
The government informed the US that it does not intend to issue more authorizations in the coming months after the nine agreements already approved. “Israel has notified the US that it will not allow any new settlements beyond the nine already approved in the coming months,” the statement said.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized the retrospective approval of the nine settlements. This exacerbated tensions and undermined trust.
The United Nations Security Council also condemned the measure. “The Security Council reiterates that continued Israeli settlement activity dangerously jeopardizes the viability of the two-state solution based on the 1967 lines,” the 15-member statement said. “The Security Council expresses its deep concern and dismay at Israel’s February 12 announcement.”
Netanyahu’s right-wing government subsequently granted approval for nine Israeli construction projects that had already been built in the West Bank. The international community considers the construction of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories to be illegal.
Conflict over judicial reform in parliament comes to a head
Jan-Christoph Kitzler, ARD Tel Aviv, February 20, 2023 8:55 pm