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They marched through the streets with Israeli flags and banners. Many central streets were blocked. The motto of the protests was “National Equality Day”.
Strictly religious coalition members want to push through a law that would de facto exempt ultra-Orthodox young men from military service. This caused great anger in the liberal camp. The protests are also against the controversial judicial reform, which opponents see as a threat to democracy in the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially suspended reform plans in March after massive criticism. However, talks between the government and the opposition, brokered by President Izchak Herzog, have so far failed to reach an agreement. Opponents of the judicial reform fear that the government will make another attempt to implement the controversial project.
However, the government must first approve the budget for the current and the coming year. If this is not achieved by May 29, parliament will automatically be dissolved and new elections will be required. The ultra-Orthodox parties have made the adoption of the bill a condition of their budget support.
Another problem for Netanyahu: Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s far-right Otzma Yehudit party is boycotting parliamentary votes until further notice. She does not want to participate again until Ben-Gvir is allowed to participate in security talks led by Netanyahu.
Demonstrators also gathered outside Ben-Gvir’s home in Kiriat Arba on Thursday morning to protest the country’s high crime rate. The number of murders has risen sharply since the beginning of the year, particularly in the Arab sector. One of Ben-Gvir’s main campaign promises was to increase security.
(SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
