Demonstrators try to block the entrance to the Israeli parliament building on Monday morning. There will be a vote today on the controversial draft law that will reduce the influence of the most important judges in the country.
Footage shows hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the parliament building in Jerusalem. The police try, among other things, to chase them away with a water cannon. According to news agency Reuters Six people have already been arrested.
Parliament is currently voting on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bill. The plan states, among other things, that the appointment of all judges must be approved by the Israeli parliament. The Supreme Court would too often intervene in government bills. According to proponents, the law “restores” the balance between the judiciary and the government.
Since the prime minister came up with the plan at the beginning of this year, there have been numerous protests. Critics say the plan undermines democracy. A local newspaper speaks of “a legal coup” by Netenyahu.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog hopes that a compromise can still be found between supporters and opponents. The head of state says Israel has “entered an emergency situation”.
Netanyahu is also in the vote. It was questionable whether the prime minister could be there, because he was fitted with a pacemaker last weekend. He was released from hospital on Monday morning.
2023-07-24 09:37:46
#Protesters #block #Israeli #parliament #ahead #vote #controversial #law
