Tens of thousands again protest in Israel against the Netanyahu government ‘Because of the blockade with the EU, companies have left Switzerland’

Despite terrorist attacks in the country, tens of thousands of people protested against Israel’s new government for the fourth Saturday night in a row in Tel Aviv and other cities, according to Israeli media. Protesters lit candles in memory of the victims of a terrorist attack in East Jerusalem on Friday. They also observed a minute of silence for the victims.

As in previous weeks, the protest was mainly directed against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government plan to specifically 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. He accuses the Supreme Court of excessive interference in political decisions. Some observers have already warned of the end of democracy in the country if the plans are implemented.

Some protesters also criticized the country’s treatment of Palestinians. “There is no democracy with an occupation,” one sign read.

In Israel, demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been taking place regularly for several weeks. More than 100,000 people took part in a large gathering in Tel Aviv last weekend.

On Friday, an attacker shot at visitors to a synagogue in East Jerusalem, killing seven and injuring several. On Saturday, a 13-year-old gunman seriously injured two men in an Israeli settlement. (sda/dpa)