Tens of thousands take to the streets against Israel’s government again Tens of thousands take to the streets against Israel’s government again

Tens of thousands of people have once again protested against the new government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. For the third Saturday night in a row, protesters gathered at various locations in the center of the Israeli coastal town. Among other things, they waved Israeli flags. Posters read “Stop the end of democracy” or pictures of Netanyahu with the words “Criminals”.

Ex-Prime Minister Jair Lapid also attended the meeting. The number of participants is expected to increase further as the evening progresses. Demonstrations were also announced in the cities of Jerusalem, Haifa and Beersheba.

The protest was primarily against the government’s intention to deliberately weaken the country’s justice system. According to the plans of Justice Minister Jariv Levin, for example, a majority in parliament should be able to pass a law, even if the Supreme Court considers it to be contrary to the Basic Law. Levin also wants to change the composition of the panel that appoints judges. The sweeping changes could also play into the hands of Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial.

Repeat conviction

This week’s protests were sparked by a sweeping Supreme Court ruling. The judges ruled on Wednesday that the Israeli Minister of the Interior and Health, Arie Deri, should not remain in office. The judges justified their verdict with Deri’s repeated conviction. They also stated that last year in a lawsuit for tax offenses he assured that he would retire from politics.

The new coalition had specifically amended a law to allow Deri to become minister despite his conviction. The leader of the strictly religious Shas party is considered a close confidant of Netanyahu. The re-elected prime minister had not yet officially commented on the verdict. It was unclear if he would oppose this or if Deri would be released.

Proponents of the planned judicial reform feel vindicated by the verdict against Deri. They have for years accused the Supreme Court of excessive interference in political decisions. (sda/dpa)