Israel: Tens of thousands demonstrate against controversial judicial reform Weapons for Ukraine: These ideas are discussed in parliament

Tens of thousands of Israelis protested for a fifth consecutive Saturday evening against a controversial reform of the country’s judicial system. Despite the rainy weather, some 40,000 protesters gathered in the center of the coastal city of Tel Aviv. Many waved Israeli flags and chanted “Freedom, equality, quality of government”. Some 10,000 people also took to the streets in Haifa, according to media reports.

The protesters want to halt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government’s plan to specifically weaken the country’s justice system. Eliad Schraga, leader of the Quality of Government Movement, likened Netanyahu to Roman Emperor Nero, who looked contentedly at Rome burning. “Shame, shame, shame,” Schraga shouted loudly over and over and the crowd joined in. Netanyahu wants to abuse the reform to avoid being convicted in his corruption trial, Schraga said. He warned of a “satanic plan” by the government to transform Israel from a Jewish democratic state into a dictatorship.

According to Justice Minister Jariv Levin’s plans, a majority in parliament should be able to pass a law, even if the Supreme Court considers it to be against 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. (sda/dpa)