Approximately half a million people took to the streets of Israel on Saturday night to protest against the far-right government’s plans to reform the judiciary. This marks the 10th week of protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, which has been facing mounting issues both domestically and internationally. Along with the recent Iran-Saudi deal to restore diplomatic relations, Israel’s political crisis is becoming increasingly serious.
During a recent episode of Inside Story, presenter Adrian Finighan discussed the situation with three guests: Gideon Levy, an author and columnist at Haaretz newspaper; Sally Abed, a Palestinian living in Haifa, podcast host, and member of the leadership at Standing Together, the largest Jewish-Arab grassroots movement in Israel; and Gil Hoffman, executive director of HonestReporting and former chief political correspondent at the Jerusalem Post.
The discussion began with Finighan asking Levy about the significance of the protests and whether they could bring about change. Levy responded by stating that the protests are significant because they represent a broad coalition of Israelis who are concerned about the direction in which the country is headed. He noted that the protests are not just about the judiciary reform plans but also about corruption and Netanyahu’s leadership.
Abed added that the protests are important because they show that there are Israelis who are willing to stand up against the government’s policies and support Palestinian rights. She also noted that the protests have brought together Jews and Arabs in a way that has not been seen before.
Hoffman disagreed with Levy and Abed, arguing that the protests are not significant because they are not going to bring about any change. He stated that Netanyahu has a strong base of support and that the opposition is weak and fragmented. He also argued that the protests are not representative of the majority of Israelis.
Finighan then asked Levy about the judiciary reform plans and why they are so controversial. Levy explained that the plans would give the government more control over the judiciary and weaken the Supreme Court’s ability to act as a check on government power. He noted that this is part of a broader trend towards authoritarianism in Israel.
Abed added that the judiciary reform plans are part of a larger effort by the government to silence dissent and suppress Palestinian rights. She noted that Palestinians in Israel face discrimination and marginalization and that the government’s policies are making things worse.
Hoffman disagreed with Levy and Abed, arguing that the judiciary reform plans are necessary to ensure that the court system is more efficient and effective. He also argued that the Supreme Court has overstepped its bounds in recent years and needs to be reined in.
The discussion then turned to Netanyahu’s leadership and whether he is fit to govern. Levy argued that Netanyahu is corrupt and has been in power for too long. He noted that there are serious allegations of corruption against Netanyahu and that he has failed to address the country’s social and economic problems.
Abed added that Netanyahu’s policies have been harmful to Palestinians and that he is not fit to govern a diverse society like Israel. She noted that Netanyahu has pursued policies that have deepened divisions between Jews and Arabs in Israel.
Hoffman defended Netanyahu, arguing that he has been a strong leader who has kept Israel safe in a dangerous neighborhood. He also argued that Netanyahu has been unfairly targeted by the media and political opponents.
The discussion ended with Finighan asking each guest for their final thoughts on the situation in Israel. Levy called for a new government that is committed to democracy and social justice. Abed called for an end to discrimination against Palestinians and for Jews and Arabs to work together for a better future. Hoffman called for support for Netanyahu and for Israelis to focus on their shared values and interests.
In conclusion, the protests in Israel against the far-right government’s judiciary reform plans are significant because they represent a broad coalition of Israelis who are concerned about the direction in which the country is headed. The judiciary reform plans are controversial because they would give the government more control over the judiciary and weaken the Supreme Court’s ability to act as a check on government power. The discussion among the guests on Inside Story highlighted the deep divisions within Israeli society over these issues, with some calling for change and others defending the status quo.