Tel Aviv/PNN/
For the ninth consecutive week, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest against a controversial judicial reform proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which they view as anti-democratic. Netanyahu, heading a coalition government of the right-wing and far-right, seeks to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court and grant politicians greater powers in appointing judges, prompting massive protests since the proposal was announced in early January.
Protesters in Tel Aviv chanted slogans such as "Democracy!" and "Shame!" Clashes erupted between protesters and police, who used water cannons and sound bombs to disperse the crowds, with 11 protesters receiving treatment at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. Opponents of the project believe that it aims to undermine judicial authority in favor of political power, warning that it poses a threat to the democratic system.
However, Netanyahu and Justice Minister Avi Levin believe that the reform of the judicial system is a fundamental step to restoring balance to the branches of power, as they consider that Supreme Court judges are biased and have more authority than elected officials.
On Tuesday, the parliament approved in a first reading two fundamental clauses of the reform, the first of which changes the process of appointing judges, while the second makes the Supreme Court ineligible to cancel any amendment to the basic laws that are considered as a constitution in Israel.
A controversial reform proposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the judicial system has sparked protests in Tel Aviv for the ninth consecutive week. The reform aims to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court and grant politicians greater authority in selecting judges. Supporters argue it is necessary to restore balance to the branches of government, while opponents claim it undermines the judicial system and poses a threat to democracy. The parliament has already approved two key elements of the reform, with a third, highly contentious provision that would allow the parliament to override Supreme Court decisions expected to be voted on soon. Despite ongoing protests, it appears that Netanyahu and his allies remain determined to pursue their goal. The opposition, led by centrist Yair Lapid, has accused Netanyahu of pursuing his personal interests through the reform and linked it to his ongoing corruption trial, with critics claiming the changes are aimed at undermining the judicial system, which has charged him with offenses he denies and considers unfair and biased.
