Massive Demonstrations Continue in Israel for 27th Straight Weekend
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Demonstrations against the government’s judicial shakeup plans continued throughout Israel on Saturday night for the 27th consecutive weekend. The protests center around the government’s efforts to curb the powers of the justice system, sparking a national conflict. Crowd assessment company Crowd Solutions estimated that approximately 140,000 people were demonstrating in Tel Aviv, with tens of thousands more in other locations, based on aerial footage. However, protest organizers claimed that the total number in Tel Aviv was closer to 180,000.
Protest leaders have pledged to escalate their opposition to the government’s renewed efforts, expressing increasing anger over the coalition’s plan to pass a bill in its first Knesset reading on Monday that would remove the courts’ ability to rule on the “reasonableness” of governmental decisions. Speaking at the main demonstration in Tel Aviv, renowned Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari said, “The time to stop the Netanyahu government is now.”
The protests have gained support from various sectors, including doctors opposed to the overhaul. Prof. Hagai Levin, representing these doctors, warned that the health system could see major strikes if the bill is approved. Meanwhile, a group called “Brothers in Arms,” representing members of the reserve army and military veterans, vowed to protest outside the home of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Amikam throughout the night. They called for the defense minister’s intervention, highlighting his previous stance against the judicial overhaul and his commitment to Israel’s security.
Ahead of the protests, the police declared that they would uphold the right to protest but show zero tolerance for rioting, damage to infrastructure, harm to police officers, and damage to symbols of the government. These protests in Tel Aviv are the first since deputy chief David Filo took over command following the departure of former district head Amichai Eshed earlier this week. The departure of Eshed, who was known for his soft approach toward demonstrators, led to mass protests and the blockage of the Ayalon Highway for several hours.
Contrary to previous reports, the police denied setting up detention centers near various protest sites to hold individuals. However, the anti-overhaul protest movement “Brothers in Arms” announced that they would demonstrate outside Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s home throughout the night, with the participation of high-ranking military officials. They hoped that the defense minister’s conscience would prevent damage to Israel’s security and the nation from being torn apart.
The proposed bill, which would prevent the judiciary from reviewing decisions made by the cabinet and government ministers based on “reasonableness,” was approved by the Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee on Tuesday. The coalition aims to pass it into law before the Knesset breaks for summer recess at the end of July.
In response to the impending legislation, organizers called for a major day of protests, called “July’s first Day of Resistance,” on Tuesday. They planned to hold rallies, protest convoys, disruptions throughout the country, and a large-scale protest at Ben Gurion Airport in the afternoon. Additionally, dozens of tech companies said their workers could take the day off to join the protests.
Protest leaders reiterated their demand for no negotiations until the judicial legislation is shelved altogether, rejecting National Unity party chief Benny Gantz’s call for the coalition to resume talks.
Moreover, increasing numbers of reservists have threatened not to volunteer for service if the legislation passes. Former prime minister and IDF chief of staff Ehud Barak urged pilots and elite military members to refuse to continue serving if the bill becomes law, calling it a “genuine alarm for the entire country.” In response, Regional Cooperation Minister David Amsalem called for Barak’s arrest and interrogation.
As the legislation advances, protests have been staged near the homes of coalition lawmakers, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Religious Zionism MK Simcha Rothman. There have also been protests at the homes of ministers and MKs from the ruling Likud party. Multiple protesters have been arrested. Coalition members have complained about the rallies outside their homes and urged a tougher police response. The protests will be discussed at Sunday’s cabinet meeting, with top officials from the Justice Ministry expected to attend amid concerns of political interference in the police’s response.
The conduct of the police is being closely monitored after 14 people were injured during Wednesday’s rallies, with six sustaining eye injuries. The hospital treating the injured protesters criticized the use of water cannons to disperse the demonstrations.
The protests against the government’s judicial shakeup plans show no sign of waning, with demonstrators pledging to continue their opposition until their demands are met.