Israel witnessed one of their biggest ever protests following the ruling government’s changes to the judiciary system.
Protests have been going on in the Middle Eastern country since the past 10 weeks. But on Saturday it reached a record number as the country with a population of 96 lakhs, saw 500,00 citizens participate in the demonstrations as per the organizers.
The Israeli citizens strongly object the government’s decision to restrict the power of the Judiciary system. The changes made by the government intend to limit the Supreme Court’s power to overrule the administration or invalidate laws and give the elected government significant influence over the selection of judges. The 120-member parliament would have a simple majority of 61 votes to overturn Supreme Court rulings.
This is one of Israel’s biggest domestic crises in the recent times as the opposition and the people of Israel believe this move will compromise on the quality of Democracy in the country and this could eventually lead to Dictatorship.
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Backlash against the reform
Business executives and legal professionals within the country believe this move could lead to disastrous repercussions. They fear all the power will be transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office. Some are also speculating this change in the Judiciary system is to protect the Prime Minister who is facing charges for corruption.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on the ruling coalition to stop the legislation on Thursday, as he stated that it is a threat to the pillars of democracy. Herzog has attempted to mediate negotiations in his largely ceremonial capacity.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid told audiences in the southern city of Be’er Sheva, that the country is experiencing the worst crisis in its history.
Earlier in the week, in an elite Israeli Air Force squadron, a number of reserve jet pilots declared they would not show up for training. Then, they changed their minds and consented to show up and have conversations with their leaders.
The country’s strongest pillar, the Military, to show their dissent over the government’s move, threatened to not serve.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration
Taking on the role as the Prime Minister of Israel for the sixth time, Benjamin Netanyahu took to office in December of 2022 as a part of the coalition government of 6 parties. The current parties in power belong to the right wing as they are deemed to be extremely religious and conservative.
One of the first reforms they announced which is their most important one as well, is about the judiciary system. This was received very poorly and drew widespread criticism.
Criticism has also been levelled at the coalition’s attempts to broaden the scope of rabbinical courts, compel some institutions, like hospitals, to uphold specific religious standards. They have also amended the Law Prohibiting Discrimination to permit gender segregation and discrimination based on religious conviction, and have increased funding for religious causes.
