Israel protest: Thousands of people took to the streets in several cities in Israel to demonstrate against plans by the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to revamp the country’s judiciary. Meanwhile, critics claim the new hardline government’s policies will weaken the Supreme Court, reduce judicial oversight and give more power to politicians. According to the protesters, this would undermine democracy.
The crackdown on the power of the courts is deepening as the government is set to introduce some legislation into parliament on Monday amid calls for a partial strike by businesses and professional groups.
For the sixth week, protesters pressed on with large rallies, the main one in the central city of Tel Aviv and many smaller gatherings in other cities.
Protesters fear the country will lose democracy
The government’s proposed measure, which it believes is needed to rein in access to activist judges, has been met with vigorous resistance from various organizations including lawyers, and concerns from business executives, who are concerned about the country’s already is only widening the sharp political divide.
“We’re really scared that our country is going to lose democracy and we’re going to have a dictatorship just because of one person who wants to get rid of his legal trial,” said Danny Simon, a protester from Yavne, south of Tela. Said Aviv he was referring to Netanyahu, who was indicted on corruption charges in 2021, charges he has denied.
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What are the three ‘national goals’ of the Netanyahu government?
Taking over the country’s leadership in December 2022, Netanyahu said his administration’s three “national goals” are to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, start construction of a bullet train that will run across the country, and reach more Arab countries. Will bring In the fold of the Abrahamic treaty.
Amid protests from members who called Netanyahu “weak” and “racist”, the prime minister called on him to “respect the will of the voters”, adding that “this is not the end of democracy or the country.”
“In a democracy, you don’t climb the walls of the Capitol and neither do the Knesset,” he said. It is to be noted here that the Prime Minister also promised to improve the personal security of the citizens and bring down the high cost of living.
(with inputs from AP)