In Israel, tens of thousands are protesting against planned judicial reforms

In Israel, there was another large demonstration on Saturday evening against a judicial reform planned by the government. According to media reports, about 100,000 people protested in the coastal city of Tel Aviv against the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government. Thousands took to the streets in other cities as well, often waving the blue and white Israeli flag.

For about four months, there have been massive protests across the country against the controversial project. 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.

Netanyahu initially suspended reform plans in March. 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 therefore fear that the government will make a new attempt to implement the plans.

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. Ultra-Orthodox parties are calling for the passage of a law that de facto exempts men from military service as a condition of their support. This caused great anger in the liberal camp. (sda/dpa)