Uprising of judicial independence in Israel… Thousands of people took to the streets

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who called for an end to the controversial judicial regulation.

Anti-government protesters took to squares across the country, particularly in Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, in response to the ouster of Defense Minister Gallant on Sunday night.

In Tel Aviv, several protesters opposing the government’s judicial regulation, with Israeli flags in their hands, blocked the city’s main artery, the Ayalon Highway, to two-way traffic. Some protesters caught fire on the road.

Protesters called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his nickname at home, “Bibi Resign!” they chanted slogans.

As hundreds of people gathered outside the Prime Minister’s residence in West Jerusalem, trying to break through police barricades, a clash broke out between police and protesters.

Israeli media reported that protests were held around the homes of lawmakers and ministers from Netanyahu’s Likud party.

Dozens of protesters also blocked highway 234 near the Gaza Strip in southern Israel.

UNIVERSITIES ON STRIKE

Israeli universities have also decided to go on an indefinite strike against judicial regulation.

In a joint written statement, the rectors and administrations of the universities announced that they have declared an indefinite strike, which will include the suspension of all courses and scientific research, starting today, in protest against the government’s judicial regulation.

“As rectors and administrations of Israeli universities, we will suspend education at all Israeli research universities on the basis that the legislative process continues, which undermines the foundations of Israeli democracy and jeopardizes its continuity. We call on the prime minister and coalition members to stop the bill immediately.” statements were included.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has called on the government to stop the controversial judicial regulation that has sparked a political crisis and mass protests in the country.

“The division within the country has penetrated deep into the Israeli army and defense system. This is a clear and serious threat to the security of Israel. I won’t allow that.” he said.

Defense Minister Gallant’s call was also supported by Likud.

Likud lawmakers Yuli Edelstein and David Bitan joined Gallant in calling to stop the bill and talk.

JUDICIAL REFORM controversy

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.

Moves by the Netanyahu-led coalition government to transfer some of the powers of the judiciary to Parliament sparked tensions between the government and the Israeli judiciary, especially the Supreme Court.

ESTABLISHED FOR THE SUPERIOR COURT

Israel’s Supreme Court, which acts as the country’s highest judicial authority, has the authority to strike down laws passed by the Assembly on the grounds that they are contrary to “fundamental laws” accepted as a constitutional project.

Netanyahu’s government stated in the court ruling that it announced that the Supreme Court’s authority to strike down laws passed by Parliament would be largely removed.

CIVIL WAR WARNING

The government’s judicial regulation, which restricts the powers of the judiciary and provides for the power to have a say in judicial appointments, was strongly criticized within Israel and internationally.

The alternative bill presented by President Isaac Herzog, which warns the parties of “civil war”, was also rejected by the government.

Thousands of Israeli army reservists, affiliated with units such as fighter pilots, submarine officers, cybersecurity experts and special forces, announced that they would not continue their duties or attend training if the government implemented the controversial court regulation.

In Israel, domestic and foreign intelligence agencies and employees of other security institutions have also announced their objections to the government’s judicial regulations.

APPROVED BY PARLIAMENT

Despite the ongoing debate and reactions, Parliament approved on March 23 the bill making it more difficult to dismiss the prime minister as part of the “judicial reform.”

The bill, which is scheduled to be introduced to Parliament tomorrow, provides for the government to have a leading voice in nominating members of the Supreme Court so that it can nominate the chief justice.

The Netanyahu-led coalition may risk losing its majority in the House to pass the controversial judicial package if Gallant and other Likud lawmakers who oppose judicial regulation withdraw their support for the government. (AA, Reuters)