Demonstrators begin a “national day of disruption” as the government pushes forward with a contentious judicial reform.
In the midst of escalating political unrest, Israeli police violently dispersed protesters on Wednesday as thousands marched in various cities in opposition to a contentious government proposal to overhaul the judicial system.
A Tel Aviv hospital reported that at least 11 people were hurt, including those with cuts, bruises, and burns. 28 additional people were taken into custody.
On Wednesday, protesters dubbed it a “national day of disruption,” blocking important thoroughfares and setting burning tires ablaze. Large demonstrations were expected to take place in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv at the conclusion of the marches.
To disperse protesters, police have used water cannons, mounted officers, and stun grenades.
From the location of the demonstration in Tel Aviv, a protester named Omer Shemer told reporters, “These are fateful days for the country; that’s why we are here.”
“The police’s reaction today is related to Ben-Gvir’s instructions. “Where were you in Huwwara?” we’re yelling. because there was a pogrom and no one was arrested, “Shemer stated.
The government instructed police officers to show zero tolerance as protesters attempted to block major transportation intersections throughout Israel.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, branded the protesters as anarchists and instructed the police to disperse the gatherings.
Ben-Gvir stated, “We will not permit anarchists to block major roads” and a civil uprising.
The political crisis in Israel has pitted Netanyahu’s far-right government against the country’s academic and business elite, civil society, former government ministers, and military leaders.
A government plan that would give parliament the power to override the Supreme Court with a simple majority vote and de facto control over court nominees is being opposed by large crowds.
Additionally, it would restrict the court’s ability to block legislation that violates civil and human rights.
Because governments almost always have a majority in the parliament, known as the Knesset, Israel does not have a constitution and there is little separation between the executive and legislative branches.
The supreme court
The Supreme Court has historically been the most effective means of stifling government power.
According to observers, the police rarely employ violent methods of dispersal against secular Jewish Israeli protesters.
“The brave actions of today’s demonstrators to block vital roads and public facilities and the violence of the police are remarkable, in my opinion. According to Ameer Makhoul, an analyst based in Haifa, “this suggests that more violence will likely follow in the future, and this may lead to the fall of the government.”
“Demands for serious dialogue with the opposition are coming from within the ruling Likud party, including from MP David Bitan. “Reactions to the Huwwara rampage, the Israeli-PA Aqaba meeting, and the police’s resentment toward Ben-Gvir reflect the widening cracks within the governing coalition,” he said.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute, 66% of Israelis believe that the Supreme Court’s powers should not be restricted.
