Thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Tuesday to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to limit the power of the Supreme Court. From blocking highways to rallying outside government ministers’ homes, the demonstrators made their voices heard across central Israel.
Despite scorching temperatures, this marked the 28th consecutive week of protests against the proposed law that would undermine judicial oversight over the cabinet. Protesters fear that this legislation would lead to greater government control, reducing democracy and paving the way for a more conservative and patriarchal society.
Demonstrators displayed their discontent through various means. Some waved Israeli flags and held roadside banners criticizing Netanyahu, while others hung a giant version of the Israeli declaration of independence from a highway flyover. Even retirement communities joined the protests, with residents taking to the roads outside their homes.
Women’s rights activists dressed in crimson robes, inspired by “The Handmaid’s Tale,” rallied in Raanana, emphasizing their concerns over the potential impact on gender equality. By the afternoon, the police had arrested 37 protesters for violating public order.
It is worth noting that the United States, a major ally of Israel, provides substantial aid, including financial assistance and diplomatic support. However, protesters had hoped that President Joe Biden would use his influence to suspend the legislative process, but the news of his upcoming meeting with President Isaac Herzog was seen as a setback.
In response, an alliance of protest movements published an open letter to Congress, urging American lawmakers to take a strong stance against Netanyahu’s policies. Additionally, crowds gathered outside the U.S. Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv to demand more pressure on Netanyahu from the Biden administration.
Apart from international pressure, the protest movement is also exerting domestic pressure through labor unions and military reservists. Thousands of reserve members of the Israeli military threatened to withdraw from volunteer duty, potentially affecting key military sectors like the Air Force, which heavily relies on reserve pilots.
Israel’s main labor union, the Histadrut, is considering organizing a general strike to protest the law. This prospect has previously been successful in suspending legislative pushes. Protesters rallied outside the Histadrut headquarters in Tel Aviv to pressure the union into joining their cause.
The Israeli Medical Association, representing around 30,000 doctors, also pledged to scale back medical work for two hours on Wednesday to express their opposition to the judicial legislation. They assured that patient care would still be prioritized during this protest action.
As the protests continue, the demonstrators aim to raise awareness and mobilize opposition to the proposed law, using various tactics to put pressure on Netanyahu’s government.