Israel was bracing itself Monday for more massive protests against the right-wing government’s controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.
Critics say the judicial reforms, which have been tabled by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government that includes far-right and ultra-orthodox parties, would undermine the authority and independence of the Supreme Court. The reforms have led to some of the largest protests in Israel’s history since they were announced in January. Several protest groups have called for thousands of demonstrators to block routes to Tel Aviv’s international airport, the largest in the country. Police chief Kobi Shabtai warned Sunday that he would have “zero tolerance” if damage was caused “to the symbols of the state” or its infrastructure.
The police have sought to limit the protests by claiming “that blocking access routes around the airport” or “in areas with strategic or security installations could cause a disaster in case of emergency”. In response, the Movement for a Quality Government in Israel urged police “to show restraint”, since “the right to protest is a pillar in a democratic country”. Netanyahu’s coalition is trying to push through a bill that, if passed, would eliminate a doctrine that allows the Supreme Court to review and overturn any government decision based on whether it is reasonable or not. After weeks of massive protests earlier this year, the government and the opposition held negotiations last month on watering down the reforms, but were unable to reach an agreement.
The government has said it will press on with the reforms unilaterally. Members of the right-wing coalition have called for Monday’s protest to be canceled amid the massive military operation being conducted in the West Bank city of Jenin, where at least eight Palestinians have been killed and over 50 were wounded. But the anti-reform movement said the protest would continue as planned. “In the face of a dangerous and extremist government that is rushing towards dictatorship, we have no choice but to express our resistance, even on this tense day,” the convening groups said.