Mass Protests in Israel against Legal Overhaul, Ex-security Heads Urge Netanyahu to Reconsider

Mass Protests in Israel against Legal Overhaul, Ex-security Heads Urge Netanyahu to Reconsider

Massive demonstrations took place in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities on Saturday, with hundreds of thousands of Israelis protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial reform. On the same day, over a hundred of Israel’s previous security leaders urged Netanyahu to suspend the proposed legislation, with thousands of military reservists declaring their intention to boycott their duties in protest.

Despite the sweltering heat of 33 C (91 F), protestors marched 70 kilometers (45 miles) from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in four days. Arriving in Jerusalem, they were met with cheers from the crowd before setting up camp outside the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, awaiting Monday’s crucial vote. Meanwhile, significant crowds filled the streets of Tel Aviv, Beersheba, Haifa, and Netanya.

Netanyahu and his right-wing allies argue the reform is necessary to limit the powers of non-elected judges. However, critics warn it could destabilize the system of checks and balances and move Israel towards an autocracy. U.S. President Joe Biden has recommended that Netanyahu reconsider the plan and seek broader consensus.

The controversial reform has attracted criticism from leaders in business and healthcare, while a growing number of military reservists from critical units have pledged to halt their services if the legislation passes. On Saturday night, an additional 10,000 reservists declared they would suspend duty, according to protest group “Brothers in Arms”.

Over a hundred retired top security officials, including former military commanders, police commissioners, and intelligence heads, also urged Netanyahu to halt the legislation on Saturday. Among the signatories were political rivals of Netanyahu, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and former defense minister Moshe Yaalon.

Israel Katz, a senior Cabinet minister from Netanyahu’s Likud party, insisted the bill would pass on Monday, despite the protests. Critics believe that the proposed changes could pave the way for arbitrary decisions, possible corruption, and undue appointments or dismissals.

The legislative reform, which will be voted on Monday, proposes to limit the Supreme Court’s oversight abilities by preventing judges from overturning government decisions deemed “unreasonable”. It also calls for more broad changes to curtail the judiciary’s powers, including changing the method of judge selection.

The overhaul is viewed by protestors, comprising a diverse cross-section of Israeli society, as an attempt by Netanyahu and his allies to consolidate power for personal and political motives. Netanyahu, who is currently facing corruption charges, dismissed these claims as baseless in a speech on Thursday. However, Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, advocated for a postponement of Monday’s vote due to the increasing number of reservists refusing to serve, as reported by Israeli media. Whether others will join his call remains uncertain.

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More about Israel Legal Overhaul Protests

• Background on Benjamin Netanyahu
• Details on Israel’s Proposed Legal Overhaul
• News Coverage of Protests in Israel
• Statements from U.S. President Joe Biden
• Updates on the status of the vote in the Israeli parliament