Anti-Overhaul March Reaches Knesset As Multitudes Protest Looming Vote To Limit Courts

Massive protests erupted across Israeli tonight, with hundreds of thousands of demonstrators expressing their opposition to the government’s contentious judicial overhaul plans. Tens of thousands of protestors rallied outside the Knesset in Yerushalayim after completing a mass march from Tel Aviv, hoping to prevent the passage of a bill that would limit judicial oversight of government decisions.

The protests coincided with a significant announcement by over 10,000 reservists, including pilots and other top military units, who declared that they were suspending their service. Additionally, various professional groups threatened strikes, and the country’s largest labor union convened to decide on further actions.

Despite the growing demonstrations and opposition, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s government remained determined to pass the legislation. Anonymous coalition officials stated that they would not back down, and Netanyahu asserted that a compromise must be reached soon, or the bill would be passed.

The demonstrations were widespread, with an estimated 170,000 people converging on Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street, and approximately 90,000 participating in the landmark march in Yerushalayim. Protesters in about 150 other cities, towns, and intersections also voiced their opposition. A “tent city” was set up by members of the Students’ Protest group near the Knesset, pledging not to leave until the legislation was stopped.

Former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin and former commander of the Sayeret Matkal commando unit, Eyal Nave, addressed the crowds in Jerusalem, expressing their concerns about the government’s actions and calling for the legislation to be halted.

The nationwide protests were held under the banner “We won’t let [Netanyahu] destroy our home.” Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged the government to reconsider its course of action and return to talks to save the State of Israel.

Protesters blocked roads at multiple locations across the country, and thousands of reservists joined the demonstration against the overhaul plans. The defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who has previously called for a pause on the legislation, faced pressure to take further action.

In light of the massive demonstrations and opposition, the Histadrut labor federation held an emergency meeting to discuss potential further steps, including a general strike, if no compromise with the opposition is reached by a certain deadline.

Despite the widespread protests and strong opposition, the government appeared determined to push ahead with its legislative plans.

{Matzav.com Israel}