Parliament passed the bill that brought Israelis to the streets
In Israel, within the framework of the “judicial reform” of the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which restricts the powers of the judiciary, the bill that makes it difficult to remove the prime minister has been approved.
According to Israeli press reports, in the third vote held in Parliament for the bill, it was approved by Parliament with 61 votes against, 47 votes against. Opposition leaders reacted harshly to the amendment, claiming the regulation was a “custom law” aimed at Netanyahu.
Yair Lapid, former prime minister and leader of the Yesh Atid (Future) Party, said in a message he shared on his Twitter account: “The coalition, like thieves in the night, passed an immoral and corrupt law.”
Benny Gantz, former defense minister and leader of the National Unity Party, said: “A custom law that will strengthen Netanyahu’s administration… There is no softening up, no detention, no restraint. I urge everyone to come out and protest the judicial reform that is jeopardizing our progress and us.”
The regulation, which is one of the bills drawn up within the framework of the “judicial reform” of the Netanyahu government and approved by parliament in two previous votes, prevents the “prime minister from being dismissed except in cases of physical incapacity or psychological”. . Experts argue that this is aimed at protecting Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has been accused of corruption.
THE CIVIL DISABILITY ACTIONS CONTINUE
Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced on January 5 that they were planning a “judicial reform” that would limit the powers of the Supreme Court and reduce the influence of the judiciary in the selection of judges.
Mass protests against judicial regulation of the Netanyahu government have been going on for 12 weeks. Within the framework of today’s action, which was called earlier, the protesters began to gather in groups in the main arteries and squares of cities throughout the country, especially in Tel Aviv.
Protesters in Tel Aviv are marching towards the demonstration areas, holding Israeli flags and chanting “democracy” slogans. Israeli police blocked roads leading to Kaplan Street, which became the focal point of demonstrations in the city.
Some protesters, including a group of reservists, hung the Israeli flag and the printed “Israel’s declaration of independence” on a large banner on the walls of the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem.
According to Haaretz news, hundreds of employees and retirees of the Rafael defense industry company also demonstrated in front of the factory. Employees of Rafael, the maker of Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, refused to speak to reporters but carried signs reading: “There is no security without democracy” and “We are Israel’s Iron Dome.” (AA)