Protests in Israel: More than 100,000 Israelis protest in front of the Knesset against judicial reform

More than 100,000 Israelis gathered today in front of the Knesset (Parliament) in Jerusalem to protest against the controversy judicial reform promoted by the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu, in the framework of a historic general strike that could lead the president to stop the legislative procedures.

READ ALSO: At least three minors killed by a shooting at a school in the United States

This Monday’s rally follows massive protests in recent days, including a demonstration last night that brought together more than 650,000 people in cities across the country, after Netanyahu fired his defense minister for calling for the temporary suspension of reform before the division provoked in the country.

The protest in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem adds to another massive mobilization in Tel Aviv, in addition to many others in cities in the north and south, as major companies join the strike.

“This is an exceptional situation”told EFE Netanel Fons, an Israeli demonstrator residing in Jerusalem who admitted he was surprised by this “unheard of” movement of protests.

The protests in Israel lived tense moments throughout this weekend.

Next to him, and to the beat of incessant drumming and singing, Israelis arriving from different parts of the country demonstrated, carrying the national flag and posters against the prime minister.

“Democracy, democracy” either “Israel is not Iran” were some of the slogans chanted by those present, who were skeptical of Netanyahu’s possible temporary suspension of the reform.

“We will not stop protesting”explained to EFE Becca Sousa, a bookseller of American origin who has been living in Israel for years and who says she does not believe “the lies” of the president.

READ ALSO: Israeli embassy in the United States closes due to strike against judicial reform

In parallel with these demonstrations, far-right groups, including two important government ministers, the extremists Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, called on their followers to protest in support of the reform, also around Parliament.

This has sparked fears of clashes among protesters, partly due to the attendance at the protests by the far-right extremist group La Familia, known for its history of violence.

In fact, these groups are setting up buses to facilitate the movement of the followers of the right wing of the government to Jerusalem from other cities in Israel and from the settlements in the occupied West Bank, where the main voter base of the far-right parties that join the coalition.

Protesters gather in front of the Knesset ahead of mass protests in Jerusalem, Israel, on March 27, 2023. Mass protests have been held in Israel for 12 weeks against government plans to reform the justice system and limit power of the Supreme Court of Israel. (Protests, United States, Jerusalem) (Photo: EFE/EPA/ABIR SULTAN)

From early on, local media anticipated that Netanyahu would give a speech in which he was expected to communicate the interruption of the reform, something that has not happened so far.

Analysts point out that members of the far-right wing of the Executive branch threatened to leave the coalition in case the legislative process was interrupted, something that would have delayed the president’s announcement.

This controversial judicial reform seeks to grant more power to the Executive to the detriment of Justice, whose independence would be profoundly undermined.

Source: Elcomercio