Thousands Protest in Tel Aviv Against Netanyahu’s Judiciary Overhaul Plan
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Alaina
- . July 17, 2023
- . Update: July 17, 2023 4:44 pm
Tens of thousands of protesters came to the streets in Tel Aviv on Saturday night for the 28th straight week, creating another enormous rally. The current demonstrations are being held in opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to reform the nation’s legal system. Further disruptive acts are expected in the coming days, according to protest leaders. The grassroots campaign has gained new life because Netanyahu’s government just approved a crucial aspect of the plan.
Growing Momentum of Protests
Within the grassroots movement opposed to Netanyahu’s intention to restructure the court, Saturday night demonstrations have grown commonplace. However, the Tel Aviv protest this week was notable for having a higher turnout. Pink and orange paint powder was sprayed as protesters unfurled a giant “SOS” banner. Women who were costumed as members of “The Handmaid’s Tale” joined the demonstrations as a sign of the possible threat to women’s rights if the revamped proposal is passed into law.
Heightened Actions and Disruptions
Early in the week, protesters intensified their activities by obstructing major thoroughfares and interfering with flight operations at Israel’s largest international airport. As a result of Netanyahu’s parliamentary coalition approving a bill related to the revamping of the court, these disruptive actions were taken. If Netanyahu proceeds with the proposal, organizers have stated that they want to stage another “day of disruption.”
Prime Minister’s Health Concerns
Netanyahu’s health became an issue during the demonstrations. On Saturday, he was sent to the hospital for dehydration after having a dizzy episode. He spent the night there despite assuring the public of his well-being in a video issued by the hospital. The weekly Cabinet meeting that was supposed to happen on Sunday was moved to Monday.
Wide-ranging Opposition
Multiple segments of Israeli society have backed the demonstrations against the proposed takeover of the courts. The Israeli Medical Association and the Histadrut, the country’s labour organisation, have opposed the law. To stop the plan, they have threatened serious actions, possibly even a national strike. Professor Zion Hagay, the association’s chairman, cautioned that the measure would have a catastrophic effect on the healthcare sector.
With his makeover plan, Netanyahu wants to give his allies control over selecting judges and give the legislature the authority to overrule court rulings. The country’s system of checks and balances, according to critics, would be undermined by these reforms, consolidating power in the hands of Netanyahu and his allies. Additionally, they draw attention to the fact that Netanyahu’s conflict of interest—he is accused of corruption—raises questions about the motivations behind the revamping of the judiciary.
Thousands of protesters take to the streets weekly as the opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to restructure the court grows. The movement has become more determined due to Netanyahu’s government’s ratification of a significant section of the revamp. Concerns about the breakdown of checks and balances and the consolidation of power in the hands of the prime minister and his associates are being raised by protesters, who several organizations support. The viability of Netanyahu’s plan to restructure the court is doubtful as long as the rallies continue.
