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After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of his defence minister, tens of thousands of Israelis have turned to the streets.
There will be a week of commotion due to the new law. In an unplanned outburst of rage, tens of thousands of Israelis have descended upon the streets of Israeli cities across the nation.
What is the law about?
The revisions include ideas that would fully vest government authority over the panel responsible for selecting judges, which has prompted large-scale demonstrations, alarmed business executives and former security chiefs, and prompted worry from the United States and other key allies.
Also, they would make it more difficult for judges to remove a leader who was considered unsuitable for office, which has infuriated many who believe it would benefit the current leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is now on trial for corruption.
Coverage at the spot
Following Mr. Netanyahu’s announcement, thousands of Israelis protested on the streets, blocking Tel Aviv’s main thoroughfare with Israeli flags and lighting a sizable bonfire in the middle of the road. There were protests in Beersheba, Haifa, and Jerusalem, where a large crowd gathered in front of Mr. Netanyahu’s home. Police clashed with protesters while shooting water cannons into the crowd
Demonstrators, waving Israeli flags and yelling “democratia,” were seen obstructing roads and bridges, including the Ayalon Highway. On Tel Aviv’s main thoroughfare, protesters started a number of fires. Their foul, black smoke billowed into the sky and partially obscured some of the city’s famous skyscrapers. Alongside the motorway, protesters gathered and set fire to wood and scrap metal with hardly any police in sight.
After demonstrating in front of Mr. Netanyahu’s house, the protesters made their way to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, dodging police as many waved Israeli flags and banged pots and pans.
Netanyahu’s assertive decision
The controversial legislation was put on hold until after next month’s Independence Day holidays, according to Mr. Gallant, a former senior general, who made his request less than a day before Mr. Netanyahu’s announcement. He cited the unrest within the military.
Mr. Gallant had expressed worries that social divisions were weakening military morale and encouraging Israel’s enemies. He also claimed that Israeli Defence Forces members were upset and angry.
Israel’s democracy and it’s analysis
By the end of the week, the prime minister hopes to have the new law approved by the legislature. The defence minister received some support from his fellow party members, but others on the far right demanded his resignation. The two politicians are both Likud party members.
A law giving the ruling coalition final decision over all judicial appointments is the centerpiece of the reform, and Mr. Netanyahu’s administration is pushing for a parliamentary vote on it this week.
Additionally, it seeks to limit judicial review of laws and pass legislation that would give parliament the power to repeal Supreme Court rulings with a simple majority.
However, detractors claim that the collection of laws will eliminate the democratic checks and balances in Israel and consolidate power in the hands of the ruling coalition. Additionally, they claim that Mr. Netanyahu, who is accused of corruption and is on trial, has a conflict of interest.
