Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Israel to protest against proposed judicial reforms, which have been criticised for endangering rights and liberties and weakening the courts. The government’s plans would limit the Supreme Court’s powers to rule against the legislative and executive branches of government and give coalition lawmakers more power in appointing judges. The panel for selecting judges currently requires politicians and judges who sit on it to agree on appointments. The present proposal would change that, giving coalition governments decisive sway. Critics fear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to use the judicial push to freeze or void his trial on corruption charges, which he denies.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has called on the government to halt its plans, saying that the dispute over the measures poses a threat to the country’s security. In a televised statement, Gallant said that the deepening split is seeping into the military and defence institutions, adding that this is a clear, immediate and real danger to Israel’s security. Gallant has previously voiced concerns about a wave of Israelis who have pledged not to heed call-ups for military reserve duty if the reforms proceed, warning that this could weaken war-readiness and national cohesion.
The latest protest against the plan saw tens of thousands rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday. Local media estimated that 200,000 people turned out for the demonstration. Discontent over the overhaul has even surged within the Israeli army, what Israelis consider to be the country’s most unifying institution. Gallant’s statement indicated the first crack in Netanyahu’s coalition, the most right-wing government in Israeli history. Far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to fire Gallant soon after his remarks.
Senior officials in the finance ministry have warned of an economic backlash from the proposed judicial reforms. The changes have also stirred concern abroad about Israel’s democratic health. Western allies have already voiced concern about the proposed reforms. Critics say that the changes will hand unbridled power to the government, endangering rights and liberties with catastrophic effects for the economy and relations with Western allies.
The government has been pushing for changes to the judiciary since January. Thousands of demonstrators have faced off against police in the streets weekly since the announcement. Gallant said that Netanyahu’s coalition government needs to hold talks with the opposition and asked it to wait until after the Jewish Passover holiday, which begins on April 5, before pushing ahead with the judicial changes. Gallant said that he supported reforms of the justice system but they must be done with broad agreement.