Tens of thousands demonstrated in Israel against Netanyahu’s government. This is the biggest demonstration since the formation of the new government at the end of December.
In Tel Aviv, tens of thousands of people took to the streets against the new Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a plan for judicial reform.
Israeli media reported, citing law enforcement sources, that despite the rainy weather, up to 80,000 people gathered in central Habima Square on Saturday, holding signs reading “Government of shame” and “Overthrow the dictator.” “.
It was the biggest demonstration since the new government was formed in late December. According to Israeli media, further protests took place outside the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem and in the city of Haifa in northern Israel.
Netanyahu: Alliance with the ultra-right
Netanyahu took over the reins of government in Israel in late December after a year and a half in opposition. He has allied himself with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties and led the far-right government in Israel’s history.
Among other things, the coalition plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.
The protests are mainly directed against Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s plans to specifically weaken the country’s judicial system. His controversial reform bill includes, among other things, an “exception clause” that would allow parliament to overrule a Supreme Court decision by a simple majority.
According to him, Netanyahu wants to reduce the power of the Supreme Court to an appropriate level. Opponents of the bill criticize this as restricting the independence of the judiciary and as a step that encourages corruption.
Corruption allegations against Netanyahu
Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption, which he continues to deny. Moreover, to the pressure for justice, an anti-corruption organization called to demonstrate on Saturday.
Opposition parties backed the call. Former Defense Secretary Benny Gantz on Friday called on “all Israelis, left and right” to participate in the protest rally and “show for the preservation of Israeli democracy.”
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