Thousands of Israelis rally against Netanyahu legal reforms
Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in three major cities on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform plans, with organisers accusing him of undermining democratic rule weeks after his reelection.
Bestriding a religious-nationalist coalition with a solid parliamentary majority, Netanyahu, now in his sixth term, wants to rein in the Supreme Court in what he has described as a restoration of the balance of the three branches of government.
Critics say the proposed reforms would cripple judicial independence, foster corruption, set back minority rights and deprive Israel's court system of credibility that helps fend off war crimes allegations abroad. Among those opposed are the Supreme Court chief justice and the country's attorney-general.
After President Isaac Herzog appealed to polarised politicians to "lower the temperatures" of the debates, organizers of the demonstrations - held under chilly winter rain - sought to strike a note of national unity.
Israeli media put the number in attendance at some 80,000, with thousands more at protests in Jerusalem and Haifa.
Footage showed a small number of Palestinian flags on display, in defiance of Netanyahu's far-right allies. One of these, National Security Ministry Itamar Ben-Gvir, told Kan TV he wanted such flags removed but was awaiting the opinion of the attorney-general before ordering any crackdown by police.
The 73-year-old Netanyahu on Friday (January 13) signalled flexibility on the reform plan, saying it would be implemented "with careful consideration while hearing all of the positions".
Polls have diverged on public views of the reforms. Channel 13 TV last week found 53% of Israelis were opposed to changing the court appointments' structure while 35% were in support. But Channel 14 TV on Thursday found 61% in favour and 35% opposed.
Critics of the Supreme Court say it is overreaching and unrepresentative of the electorate. Its proponents call the court a means of bringing equilibrium to a fractious society.
Reuters
