Thousands of people on the streets for the 13th week

Posted by: 04/01/2023 – 21:58

Mobilization continues. Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday, April 1, for the thirteenth consecutive week against the justice reform plan, despite a “pause” in the legislative process ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Waving Israeli flags, demonstrators marched through the city center chanting “democracy” and carrying signs against the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, one of the most right-wing in Israel’s history. Small rallies were held in other cities across the country.

Since the reform plan was announced in early January, tens of thousands of Israelis have demonstrated every week denouncing the plan and undermining the government formed by Benjamin Netanyahu in December.

A legislative “break” was announced by the head of the Israeli government on March 27 to “give an opportunity”. […] Dialogue”, a day after the protests intensified, the start of a general strike and tensions within the majority, especially triggered by the announcement of the dismissal of Defense Minister Yves Gallant. “Pause”.

Mediation by President Isaac Herzog

For the government, the reform aims to reorganize the powers of the Supreme Court by, among other things, curtailing its prerogatives.

Critics of the reform, on the other hand, believe that it jeopardizes the democratic principles in use in Israel by blowing away safeguards. They fear that this could pave the way for a liberal or authoritarian slide.

A meeting took place on March 28 between representatives of the majority and the two main opposition parties within the framework of mediation under President Isaac Herzog. However, many political analysts and opposition leaders are skeptical about the chances of success of the president’s mediation.

Yves Gallant, who has not yet received the official resignation letter required by law, continues to function normally within the government.

With AFP