For Knesset vote: Protest against justice reform in Israel escalates US destroys last stockpiles of chemical weapons

Ahead of a critical vote in parliament, demonstrations against Israel’s planned government reform have gained momentum.

More than 140,000 people gathered in the coastal city of Tel Aviv alone on Saturday to demonstrate against the plan of Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government, according to media reports. The organizers estimate the number at 180,000.

Netanyahu initially shelved the plans after massive pressure in March, but put them back on the agenda in a somewhat weaker form some two weeks ago. Tens of thousands of Israelis also took to the streets in other parts of the country.

weakening of the judiciary

A section on the weakening of the judiciary will be adopted in first reading on Monday. According to the plans, the Supreme Court should no longer be able to judge a government decision as “inappropriate”.

Critics fear that this could encourage corruption and thus the arbitrary filling of senior positions. The government, on the other hand, accuses the judges of interfering too much in political decisions.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the appointment of Shas Party leader Arie Deri as interior minister was “inappropriate” because of his criminal past. As a result, Netanyahu had to fire his confidant. Observers expect the government to want to reverse this.

A total of three readings are needed to pass the law. Now that Netanyahu’s government has a majority in parliament, the law is expected to be passed by the end of the month.

This could also jeopardize Israel’s security. Hundreds of military reservists threatened to withdraw from their duties. In protest, their “Brothers-in-Arms” movement announced an all-night rally on Sunday outside Defense Secretary Joav Galant’s home. Mass demonstrations are also planned for Tuesday.

(dsc/sda/dpa)