Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Jerusalem on July 22 to voice their opposition to a proposed judicial overhaul that aims to curtail the powers of the Supreme Court. The protest comes amid growing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition to abandon the contentious bill, which is set for a crucial parliamentary vote on July 24.
Protesters, many waving blue and white Israeli flags, marched several kilometers up the main highway to Jerusalem under the scorching summer sun. The demonstrators have been walking for days, supported by local residents offering food and drink along the way. They plan to stage a rally outside the parliament building ahead of a scheduled July 23 debate and the subsequent vote on the bill.
The proposed legislation has sparked a heated debate in the country. Netanyahu's government argues that the reforms are necessary to restore a balance of power, as they believe the Supreme Court has become excessively interventionist. However, critics argue that the Court plays a vital role in safeguarding civil rights, particularly in a nation with no formal constitution and a government-dominated unicameral parliament.
Protest leader Shikma Bressler expressed uncertainty about the protest's ability to halt the impending vote but emphasized that their efforts extend beyond a single vote.
"The vote is not the last step. This is why we are trying to build the forces in this country to choose right from wrong, to choose light from darkness," Bressler stated.
At the heart of the controversy is the bill's intent to limit the Supreme Court's authority to overturn government or ministerial decisions it deems "unreasonable." Supporters of the bill argue that it aims to streamline governance while still maintaining adequate judicial oversight. However, opponents fear that the bill is being rushed through the parliament and could pave the way for corruption and abuses of power.
Public opinion polls indicate widespread concerns among Israelis, who fear the potential economic repercussions and have raised alarm in key ally Washington. The United States has urged Netanyahu to seek consensus on judicial reforms, even as the Prime Minister faces an ongoing corruption trial that he vehemently denies.
The divisive issue has also permeated the military, which is traditionally seen as an apolitical institution. Debates about the readiness of the armed forces have arisen on both sides of the reform discussion, further highlighting the polarizing nature of the proposed changes.
As the nation awaits the parliamentary vote on July 24, tension remains high, and both supporters and opponents of the bill are keenly aware of the far-reaching implications this decision may have on the Israeli legal and political landscape.
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