On the 26th consecutive Saturday, a significant gathering of protesters assembled in Tel Aviv to express their strong opposition to the contentious judicial reform, as reported by a correspondent from Sputnik.
The organizers of the demonstrations had called for protests at 150 different locations throughout Israel. In Tel Aviv alone, an estimated 130,000 individuals gathered, according to Crowd Solutions estimates. Overall, approximately 300,000 people participated in protests across the country on Saturday, as stated by the demonstration organizers.
In Tel Aviv, demonstrators made attempts to block the main highway, but their efforts were thwarted by the police, who restored regular traffic. Witnesses observed police with water cannons in the Ayalon Highway area. The protests unfolded against the backdrop of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent announcement to The Wall Street Journal that the most controversial part of the judicial reform, aimed at granting the parliament (Knesset) the power to override Supreme Court rulings, would be dropped by the government.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu also acknowledged that there has been a prolonged disagreement between the government and the opposition regarding fundamental aspects of the reform, which may result in the government advancing the legislation unilaterally. The proposed law aims to bring significant changes to the Israeli judiciary, potentially limiting the Supreme Court's authority to review and invalidate laws deemed unconstitutional, while granting the government greater influence in the appointment of judges.
In late March, the Israeli prime minister suspended the legislative process on the judicial reform to engage in negotiations and seek a compromise with opponents. This decision was made in response to widespread nationwide protests against the reform. Despite the suspension, protesters have continued to take to the streets, expressing concerns that the reform poses a threat to democracy in Israel and could lead the country toward a social and constitutional crisis.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu also acknowledged that there has been a prolonged disagreement between the government and the opposition regarding fundamental aspects of the reform, which may result in the government advancing the legislation unilaterally. The proposed law aims to bring significant changes to the Israeli judiciary, potentially limiting the Supreme Court's authority to review and invalidate laws deemed unconstitutional, while granting the government greater influence in the appointment of judges.
In late March, the Israeli prime minister suspended the legislative process on the judicial reform to engage in negotiations and seek a compromise with opponents. This decision was made in response to widespread nationwide protests against the reform. Despite the suspension, protesters have continued to take to the streets, expressing concerns that the reform poses a threat to democracy in Israel and could lead the country toward a social and constitutional crisis.
