Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform plans, with organizers accusing the leader of undermining democratic rule just weeks after his re-election.
Encompassing a religious-nationalist coalition with a solid parliamentary majority, Netanyahu, now in his sixth term, wants to control the Supreme Court in what he described as restoring balance to the three branches of government.
Critics say the proposed reforms would undermine judicial independence, foster corruption, undermine minority rights and deprive Israel’s judicial system of the credibility that helps it avoid prosecutions of war crimes abroad. Among the opponents are the president of the Supreme Court and the attorney general of the country.
After Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed to polarized politicians to lower the temperature of the debates, organizers of the demonstrations — held in three cities despite cold winter rain — sought to set a tone of national unity.
“Take an Israeli flag in one hand, an umbrella in the other and go out to protect democracy and the law in the State of Israel,” said centrist former defense minister Benny Gantz, who attended the Tel Aviv rally. .
“We are preserving our shared home,” read one protester’s sign. Netanyahu was guilty of a “legal coup”, claimed another.
Israeli media estimated the number of participants in Tel Aviv at around 80,000, with thousands more at protests in Jerusalem and Haifa.
The prime minister on Friday signaled flexibility in the judiciary reform plan, saying it would be implemented “with careful consideration in listening to all positions”.
Polls diverged on public opinions of the reforms. TV Channel 13 found last week that 53% of Israelis were opposed to changing the structure of court appointments, while 35% were in favour. But a poll by Canal 14 TV on Thursday (12) resulted in 61% in favor and 35% against.
Critics of the Supreme Court say it is overblown and not representative of the electorate. Its proponents call the court a means of bringing balance to a turbulent society.
“We promised change to the people, we promised governance, we promised reform – and we will deliver,” said Miki Zohar, a senior lawmaker from Netanyahu’s conservative Likud party.
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