Despite the postponement of judicial reform – again mass protests in Israel

Tens of thousands again demonstrated in Israel against the government’s delayed judicial reform. According to media reports, about 115,000 people attended the main rally in Tel Aviv, which was held there for the 15th consecutive Saturday.

Tens of thousands also took to the streets in about 150 other places in the country, including Haifa and Jerusalem.

Demonstrators waved Israeli flags and posted placards criticizing the National Guard, which was set up under the leadership of far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and reportedly works with the police and army.

Critics warn Ben-Gvir could deploy the troops specifically against anti-government protesters. According to the police minister, he wanted to participate in a counter-protest on Saturday.

The opposition is sceptical

After protests and a general strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed the highly controversial judicial reform for several weeks at the end of March to “make room for dialogue”. However, the opposition is skeptical that the government wants to reach a compromise.

With the judicial reform, Netanyahu’s coalition wants to limit the influence of the Supreme Court and increase the government’s position of power. She accuses the court of excessive interference in political decisions. In the future, parliament should be able to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority. Critics see the separation of powers in danger and warn of a state crisis if the reform is implemented in this way.

(dsc/sda/dpa)