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Israelis block highways / Nationwide protest against government plan for judiciary

2023-07-11 15:30:09, Kosova & Bota CNA

Israelis block highways / Nationwide protest against government plan for

JERUSALEM - Israeli protesters blocked highways leading to Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv, kicking off nationwide protests on Tuesday against the government's plan to reform the judiciary, which has divided the country.

Demonstrations began on Tuesday morning, shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's parliamentary coalition gave initial approval to a bill that limits the Supreme Court's supervisory authority, continuing with changes to the judiciary despite strong opposition in the country.

The bill is just one of many changes proposed by Mr Netanyahu's ultra-nationalist and ultra-Orthodox allies. The plan has provoked months of sustained protests from opponents who say the country is moving towards an authoritarian system.

Activists against judicial reform called for nationwide demonstrations throughout the day, including protests at Israel's main international airport, which could disrupt passenger travel.

On Tuesday, 300 reservists from the army's cyber unit signed a letter declaring they would not volunteer for military service, explaining that the government has demonstrated "that it is determined to destroy the state of Israel."

"Significant cyber capabilities with the potential to be used for malicious purposes should not be given to a criminal government that is undermining the foundations of democracy," the letter said.

Police used water pumps to disperse the protesters blocking the main road to Jerusalem. Police officers arrested several other people blocking a highway near the central city of Modiin. Demonstrators blocked a major highway in Haifa with large banners reading "Together we will be victorious," complicating traffic along the coast.

Police said 42 people were arrested for disturbing public order during the protests.

Arnon Bar-David, head of the Histadrut union, threatened that a general strike could be held that could paralyze the country's economy.

"If the situation reaches an extreme, we will intervene and show our strength," Mr. Bar-David said, calling on Mr. Netanyahu to "stop the chaos."

The Histadrut union called for a general strike in March when the government demanded laws to reform the judiciary as protests continued for several weeks. The strike paralyzed wide segments of the economy and forced Mr. Netanyahu to suspend proposed changes.

However, he decided to restart the reform process after the failure of talks with the opposition to reach a compromise.

Allies of Mr. Netanyahu have proposed a series of changes to Israel's legal system aimed at weakening the powers of judges who are not elected by the people, powers they consider excessive. The proposed changes aim, among other things, to give Mr. Netanyahu's allies control over the appointment of judges and give parliament the authority to overturn court decisions.

Mr Netanyahu's government, which took office in December, is the most ultra-nationalist and ultra-Orthodox cabinet in Israel's 75-year history. His allies proposed the changes to the judiciary after the country held its fifth election in four years, processes perceived as referendums on whether Mr Netanyahu should continue as prime minister while on trial for corruption.

Critics of judicial reform say it would destroy the country's system of checks and balances and concentrate power in the hands of Mr. Netanyahu and his allies. They also say Mr Netanyahu is in a conflict of interest as he is on trial on charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery, which he denies.

Large parts of Israeli society have joined the protests, including military reservists, business leaders, members of the LGBTQ+ community and other minorities./ VOA