News / Palestine

Massive rallies held against Israeli prime minister's 'judicial reforms' for 8th straight week

Sunday, 26 February 2023 12:24 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 26 February 2023 2:51 AM ]

Frame grab shows an aerial view of a thousands-strong rally held in Tel Aviv on February 25, 2023 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's so-called judicial reforms.

Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, holding massive rallies for the eighth straight week against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned "judicial reforms."

On Saturday, a thousands-strong protest was held in the central part of Tel Aviv, with protesters blocking a main road.

Footage of the protest showed demonstrators lighting a fire and blocking the main road causing a traffic jam on one of the busiest roads in Tel Aviv.

Israel's security forces were seen shoving and detaining protesters. At least 11 protesters were arrested for breaking through police barriers and blocking the Ayalon Highway.

The massive protest came after the regime's parliament took a step towards approving the so-called reforms planned by Netanyahu's extremist cabinet.

Thousands of protesters hold rallies against Israeli PM’s reforms ahead of parl. vote

Thousands of protesters stage massive rallies across the occupied territories to protest a controversial judicial reforms bill promoted by prime minister

A similar protest was held in the occupied city of al-Quds, just outside the residence of Israel's president, Isaac Herzog.

Earlier this week, the regime's Justice Minister Yariv Levin was cited as asserting that "nothing" would dissuade him from realizing the so-called judicial overhaul.

The protesters, however, say the alleged reforms are aimed at dismantling the regime's judicial system across multiple fronts.

The reforms rob the regime's highest court of the ability to strike down decisions made by Netanyahu's far-right cabinet and Knesset (the Israeli parliament).

The parliament would, therefore, be empowered to amend the so-called Basic Laws -- which constitute the regime's quasi-constitution -- in any way it sees fit. The legislature will be also enabled to overrule the court's decisions with a simple majority of 61 votes in the 120-member body.

Thousands hold fresh protests against Israeli prime minister's controversial 'judicial reforms'

Thousands of protesters gather outside the Israeli parliament and elsewhere across the occupied territories to oppose Netanyahu

Opponents say the judicial overhaul is meant to help Netanyahu avoid the repercussions of his ongoing corruption cases. The prime minister is being sued for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Netanyahu, however, has called the protesters "anarchists," claiming that they cannot come to terms with last November's election results, which helped him stage a comeback as prime minister.