Thousands Of Israelis March Against Netanyahu's Judicial Reform Bill Hours Before Voting
A large number of Israelis thronged the roads in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem against the judicial reform bill hours before discussion on it.
Israeli protesters marched across the streets in Tel Aviv and near Parliament on Saturday in Jerusalem against a judicial overhaul sought by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported Reuters. The agitation that has been on for the last several months has been mounting pressure on Netanyahu’s right-wing government to scrap a bill that would curtail the Supreme Court's powers, the report added. This comes just hours before the lawmakers are scheduled to debate on it on Sunday.
The attempt of Israel’s government to change the judiciary has led the country to one of its worst political crises, sparking nationwide protests, denting the economy and stirring concern among Western allies.
Despite the scorching heat, protesters marched carrying blue and white Israeli flags in a kilometres (miles) long column in Jerusalem to the sounds of beating drums and anti-government chants, Reuters mentioned.
The numbers have only been increasing as protesters neared the city gate after several days of walking. They also rallied outside parliament ahead of a Sunday debate and subsequent vote on the bill next week. Notably, the bill aims to limit the Supreme Court's powers to void what it considers "unreasonable" government or ministerial decisions.
Thousands more held agitation across the country, including around 100,000 people in the business hub Tel Aviv. As per the report, defending the contentious bill, Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition says it is needed to balance out the branches of power.
As per Reuters, the parliament is scheduled to vote on the bill by Monday. According to Reuters, polls suggest widespread misgivings among Israelis. The United States has already urged Netanyahu to seek consensus on any reforms which should also keep the judiciary independent.
Apart from this, the situation has reportedly divided the military also, which is long viewed as apolitical. Reuters reported that dozens of former security chiefs, including military, police and Mossad heads, some of whom had served under Netanyahu, published an open letter to the premier on Saturday to call off the vote. They voiced support for reservists who earlier said they will no longer serve in protest against the government's campaign.
It is pertinent to note that Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption that he denies, has said he has been trying hard for broad agreements and has placed the onus on opposition parties to make compromises.
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