It was the biggest demonstration to date against the new government, which took office at the end of December. Protests also took place in Haifa and Jerusalem.
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated against the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on Saturday night. The protests are mainly directed against Justice Minister Jariv Levin’s plans to specifically weaken the country’s judicial system. It was the biggest demonstration to date against the new government, which took office at the end of December. Protests also took place in Haifa and Jerusalem.
The demonstration in Tel Aviv, in which about 80,000 people took part, according to media reports, began in the center of the city, in the square in front of the Habima National Theater. Protesters then marched through the streets waving blue and white Israeli flags. “Democracy,” they chanted over and over again. “The state is not your toy,” read one sign.
Government plans far-reaching reforms
Netanyahu’s government plans far-reaching reforms to the judicial system. A majority in parliament should therefore be able to pass a law even if the Supreme Court finds it to violate the Basic Law. Attorney General Levin also wants to change the composition of the panel that appoints judges. He accuses the STF of excessive interference in political decisions.
In an exceptionally forceful speech on Thursday, the head of Israel’s highest court, Esther Hayut, warned of a “death blow” to the independence of judges. After the planned reforms, the country’s democratic identity would be completely distorted, she said. Levin then accused Hayut of siding with the opposition.
Earlier this week, Israel’s right-wing police minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced a crackdown on protesters.
The government of re-elected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the most right-wing government Israel has ever had. Extremist right-wing politicians are also represented for the first time.
(APA)