Israelis continue to protest judiciary regulation for 31st straight week

By Mucahit Aydemir

TEL AVIV (AA) - Israeli protesters took to the streets again Saturday to protest the coalition government's judiciary regulation.

Demonstrators, who have organized mass protests every Saturday against the far-right coalition government's judiciary regulation and conservative policies led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were on the streets for the 31st straight week of protests.

Tens of thousands attended demonstrations in Tel Aviv, West Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, Herzliya and Rehovot.

As usual, the most significant demonstration took place in Tel Aviv, where protesters gathered in front of the Government Complex on Kaplan Street and made speeches criticizing the regulation.

Protest leaders accused Netanyahu of attempting to undermine the rule of law and potentially causing a constitutional crisis.

Demonstrators holding Israeli flags chanted slogans in support of democracy and used drums, whistles and air horns to create rhythm.

Every week on Kaplan Street, a large banner with a main slogan is displayed. This week's banner featured Netanyahu's silhouette with the "100% lies" on it.

Demonstrations continued despite an armed attack that occurred in Tel Aviv.

Not far from the protest area on Montefiore Street, an attack resulted in the deaths of a security officer and a Palestinian attacker.

Police and protest leaders announced that despite the armed attack, protests would continue safely.

In addition to Tel Aviv, protesters also gathered in front of Netanyahu's residence on Azza Street in West Jerusalem where demonstrators held a banner that read: "Because of him, everything is burning," referring to Netanyahu.

Opposition Leladers also participated in various parts of the country.

-Juidicial reform in Israel

Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced Jan. 5, that the judicial reform, which included changes such as limiting the Supreme Court's powers and giving the government a say in judicial appointments.

Netanyahu announced March 27 he was postponing the reform, which had led to increasing mass protests and nationwide strikes, but he also said his goverment would put it back on the agenda after the approval of the 2023-2024 budget in late May.

Following a stalemate in negotiations with the opposition, the government recently restarted the reform process.

As part of the judicial reform, the government announced that a bill to abolish the Supreme Court's oversight of the government would be brought to the Knesset, or parliament, for a second and third vote on July 24.

Thousands of Israelis, including war pilots, submarine officers and other elite units who opposed the reform, decided to resign from voluntary reserve service.

Israeli media reported that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was working to postpone the bill to abolish the Supreme Court's oversight of the government in response to the reactions from reserve soldiers.

Numerous prominent figures in Israeli politics, the military, security, economy and the judiciary have publicly expressed opposition to the reform plans.

The movement against Netanyahu’s government judicial reform agenda has been staging demonstrations for seven months.

*Writing by Esra Tekin in Istanbul