Protests Erupt In Israel: Demonstrators Clash With Police, Oppose PM Netanyahu's Bill To Limit Apex Court's Power
Following Israeli PM Netanyahu's bill to curb Supreme Court's power getting its first approval, massive protests were staged in Tel Aviv.
Demonstrators took to the streets of Israel on Tuesday to protest against a controversial bill proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right coalition, which aims to curtail the authority of the Supreme Court. The protestors blocked major highways and clashed with the police, waving flags and disrupting morning traffic at major intersections and highways. Some protestors lay down on the roads, while others ignited flares, according to Reuters news agency. At least 42 people were arrested, confirmed a police official speaking to Reuters.
Police, including mounted units, were present among the hundreds of demonstrators in Tel Aviv, Israel's business hub. Water cannons were deployed by police officials at the entrance to Jerusalem to disperse some protestors, and force was used to remove others.
Additional protests were planned throughout the day, including one at the main international Ben Gurion airport, as reported by Reuters.
The proposed bill has raised concerns among Western allies about the nation's democratic health and has had an impact on the economy. On Monday, it passed the first of three required votes to become law. If passed, the bill would limit the Supreme Court's ability to overturn decisions made by the government, ministers, and elected officials. Currently, the apex court can annul such decisions if it deems them "unreasonable."
Critics argue that this judicial oversight is essential to prevent corruption and abuses of power. Supporters contend that the proposed change will enhance effective governance by reducing the court's intervention, asserting that judges have other legal means to exercise oversight.
Some members of Netanyahu's party have indicated that the bill may undergo revisions before its final vote, which they hope to conclude before the Knesset (legislature) begins its summer break on July 30. Simcha Rothman, the Head of the Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee responsible for drafting the bill, stated, "I'm saying this explicitly: I am not convinced that any significant changes are to be expected," according to Reuters.
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