2023-04-30 07:19:18
Demonstrations were renewed in Israel, Saturday, with a massive demonstration in Tel Aviv, to protest once morest Judicial reform project Which is supported by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and considered by his critics to be contrary to the foundations of democracy, days before the Knesset resumed its work.
The demonstrators carried Israeli flags and banners, including one that read, “History is looking at you.”
The Israeli Channel 12 estimated the number of demonstrators at regarding 150,000, while Channel 13 estimated the number at regarding 200,000.
And Iris Oren, who participated in the march, considered that participation is a “struggle for democracy.”
She said, holding the Israeli flag, “This struggle gives us strength, and it is clear to me that our voice also reaches the Knesset (parliament), and it is clear to them that they will not be able to take unilateral decisions.”
Israelis have been demonstrating weekly for four months once morest the judicial reform that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government wants to implement, which critics consider anti-democratic.
The Knesset is scheduled to resume work on Monday following a recess. Supporters and opponents of the reforms sought to put more pressure on politicians.
The coalition government, which includes parties from the right, the far-right, and ultra-Orthodox formations, asserts that the reforms aim to correct an imbalance between the judiciary and elected members of parliament, while its critics say it endangers Israeli democracy.
The architect of the reform project, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, spoke to thousands of demonstrators supporting the reforms in Jerusalem on Thursday.
The ultra-Orthodox Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took part in the pro-reform demonstration, vowing that the government would “not abandon” it.
On March 27, Netanyahu announced the “suspension” of the legislative process to give “an opportunity (..) for dialogue” following the expansion of the protest movement and the start of a general strike.
Negotiations between the parties under the auspices of President Isaac Herzog began this month to reach a settlement. But the opposition still doubts Netanyahu’s intentions, and no settlement has been reached.
France 24/AFP
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