Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Israel on Tuesday, staging the largest weekday protest in months against the government's plans to overhaul the country's judicial system. The protests caused significant disruptions, including traffic congestion in Tel Aviv and chaos at Ben Gurion Airport, CNN reports.
Demonstrations occurred in various cities, including Jerusalem, Haifa, Petach Tikva, Beer Sheva, and Hod Hasharon.
The controversial bill, part of a wider package of judicial reforms, aims to weaken the judiciary by stripping the Supreme Court of the power to declare government actions "unreasonable." Supporters, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, argue that the reforms are necessary to balance powers between the courts, lawmakers, and the government. However, opponents fear that the measures threaten to undermine the checks and balances on government actions and pave the way for increased authoritarianism.
The protests have been ongoing since the beginning of the year, prompting a pause in the legislative process in March. However, Monday's vote marked the end of the pause and reignited public anger. At least 71 people were arrested during the protests, with 45 already released, according to Israel Police.
The judicial overhaul aims to give the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, greater control over the judiciary, including changes in the selection of judges and limits on the Supreme Court's jurisdiction. Although Netanyahu announced that the provision allowing the Knesset to overturn Supreme Court rulings had been dropped, other contentious changes remain, such as altering the composition of the judge selection committee and curbing the Supreme Court's power to declare government decisions "unreasonable."
Proponents argue that the reforms aim to address concerns about an insular Supreme Court that oversteps its boundaries. Critics, however, accuse Netanyahu of pushing the overhaul to protect his own interests amid his ongoing corruption trial. They argue that the changes would undermine the vital checks and balances provided by the judiciary.
The protests reflect a deepening divide in Israeli society over the future of the country's judicial system and its impact on democracy and governance.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Threads pages to keep up to date on world news.
Comments (0)