“Bibi Ciao”: Tens of Thousands of Israelis Demonstrate Against Justice Reform Switzerland Renovation Obstructs Traffic in Bern Center

Tens of thousands of people protested Saturday night against Israel’s controversial judicial reform. At the central rally in Tel Aviv, protesters chanted “democracy” while waving white and blue national flags. Several participants also quickly changed the protest song “Bella Ciao” to “Bibi Ciao”. “Bibi” is the nickname of right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to media reports, thousands took to the streets again in Jerusalem, Haifa and a number of other cities.

The government is currently tackling judicial reform again. Netanyahu initially shelved plans to restructure the judiciary in March after massive pressure. However, according to Israeli media, a law will be passed in the coming weeks that will limit the court’s ability to declare government decisions “improper”. Critics fear that key positions could be filled arbitrarily by the government.

A few days ago, Netanyahu tried to appease: he had “rejected” a controversial part of the reform, he told the Wall Street Journal. Specifically, it is a clause that allows Parliament to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority. However, critics do not see this as a rollback of the reform, also because they believe there are many other bottlenecks on the government’s agenda.

With the conversion, the coalition specifically wants to weaken the country’s highest court. The government accuses the judges of excessive interference in political decisions. Critics see the separation of powers and thus the democratic order in danger.

The next demonstration is already scheduled for Monday evening – in front of Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. According to the organizers, air traffic should not be disrupted. It is currently summer vacation in Israel and many families are going on vacation. (sda/dpa)