EPA Protesters hold a large Israeli flag at today’s demonstration in Tel Aviv
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 22:10
Thousands of people have once again protested in Israel against the plans of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s far-right government to reform the justice system. Protests took place across the country. Protesters blocked highways and train stations, among other things.
There were many protests, especially in the coastal city of Tel Aviv. They started early in the day, when protesters blocked the entrance to the stock exchange and the military headquarters.
There were also some violent confrontations between the police and demonstrators. Several dozen people were arrested, Israeli police said. A large demonstration is also planned for tonight in the center of Tel Aviv.
Demonstrations are also being held in the capital Jerusalem:
Elsewhere in the country, train stations and highways were also blocked. Train traffic came to a temporary halt throughout the country, but it is unclear whether this had to do with the demonstrations. The Israeli railway company thought it was a computer malfunction.
Supreme Court less power, parliament more
Protests have been raging in Israel against the government’s plans since the beginning of this year. In January, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced his intention to implement controversial legal reforms. The government wants the Supreme Court, the independent power, to have less power. Instead, the Knesset, the parliament where the governing parties have a large majority, would be given much more power.
The Supreme Court can now intervene if the government introduces a law that violates so-called ‘basic rights’. This concerns, for example, the right to equality and the rights of minorities. Netanyahu wants to get rid of that. His government believes that judges interfere too much with political decisions.
EPAA protester sings protest songs in Tel Aviv
The demonstrators fear that the plans will end the separation of powers and democracy in Israel. Some are even talking about the creeping introduction of a dictatorship. The critics are concerned about minorities in the country, such as Palestinians and people from the LGBTI community. Plans that go against the rights of those groups are already being made.
Last week, the Israeli parliament approved the first part of the controversial reform plans. That part could be turned into law as early as next week. Two more votes will follow before all the changes envisaged by the government become final.
Herzog to US, Congressmen boycott speech
While there are heavy demonstrations in his country, Israeli President Herzog has traveled to the United States. He plays a largely ceremonial role for Israel as head of state. Herzog has been invited by Washington for a two-day visit to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary.
On arrival, Herzog addressed the unrest in his country. “Israel is going through a heated debate as a society, but its democracy is strong and resilient,” Herzog said in front of US President Biden at the White House.
Herzog will address the US Congress tomorrow. Some Democratic MPs have already indicated that they will not be present at that moment, in protest against the current plans of the Israeli government. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is also something these Congressmen are protesting against.
Incidentally, it is not uncommon for members of Congress not to attend speeches by foreign leaders. Several members also failed to attend a speech by Indian Prime Minister Modi in June, citing concerns about human rights in his country, among other things.
EPAIsraeli President Herzog in conversation with US President Biden at the White House
2023-07-18 20:10:12
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