Israelis continue protests against Netanyahu following speech

By Firdevs Bulut Kartal

TORONTO (AA) - Hundreds of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv late Monday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he delivered a televised speech.

Protesters clashed with police after closing down the Ayalon Highway, a major artery for the city.

In videos circulating on social media, they chanted slogans and asked police: "What have you done in Al-Aqsa?,” referring to the recent raids by Israeli security forces on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.

Eight protestors were detained according to the Haaretz newspaper, while police sources said two people were arrested.

Protestors chanted "There is no such thing as illegal protests" as they clashed with police, who had declared the demonstrations illegal.

Netanyahu gave a televised address late Monday at the Tel Aviv headquarters of the Israeli army and discussed his divisive judicial reform plan.

He blamed the previous government and the protest movement against his administration for the recent wave of terrorist attacks against Israelis, saying that on account of the many "terror threats" the country is facing, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will remain in office, reversing his decision to fire him.

- Judicial overhaul plan

Proposed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin on Jan. 5, the judicial reform would be the most radical change ever in the system of government in Israel. If enacted, they would give the government unchecked powers over the courts and give the Netanyahu-dominated Knesset, or parliament, effective control over judicial appointments, thereby weakening the Supreme Court.

Israel has seen mass protests over the past few weeks against plans by the government to implement the reforms, which is seen by the opposition as a power grab in favor of the executive.

Netanyahu, however, insists that his judicial plans would enhance democracy and restore the balance between the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

On March 27, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, bowed to pressure and announced a temporary halt to the judicial overhaul plans.