Protests erupted throughout Israel on Tuesday following the advancement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul plan in parliament. The proposed changes, which passed a first reading on Monday, aim to limit the power of Israel’s Supreme Court and have sparked outrage and demonstrations across the country. Tens of thousands of protesters blockaded highways and gathered at the airport, resulting in at least 71 arrests.
What is the cause of these protests in Israel?
Netanyahu’s far-right coalition government has accused the Supreme Court of political interference and has proposed measures to curtail its authority. The bill that passed its first reading would remove the court’s ability to review and overturn decisions made by government ministers. Critics argue that this undermines the independence of the judiciary and the democratic system of checks and balances.
Protesters took to major highways, with some engaging in disruptive tactics such as throwing flares and blocking traffic with burning tires. Police used water cannons against demonstrators near Jerusalem, and a protester was knocked to the ground by a horse in Tel Aviv. The intensity of the protests is reflected in the striking images captured by media outlets.
Israeli military veterans, including those from the Mossad and Shin Bet, have threatened to stop appearing for duty in response to the proposed judicial reforms. These reservists join hundreds of others who have expressed their opposition, defying warnings from the military. This resistance further emphasizes the widespread discontent with the government’s actions.
Context of escalating violence
In recent months, Israeli army raids in the West Bank have resulted in the deaths and injuries of numerous Palestinians. These raids were carried out in response to attacks by Palestinians. One such operation, which took place in the Jenin refugee camp, led to the deaths of 13 Palestinians and the displacement of thousands. The scale of this military operation is the largest in the Palestinian territory in two decades.
The Israeli government has justified these missions as efforts to seize weapons and destroy command posts and tunnels of Palestinian militant groups. The situation has further strained relations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, with Prime Minister Netanyahu stating that Jenin is no longer a safe haven.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least 154 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and Gaza this year. Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis have killed 25 people. These figures highlight the ongoing cycle of violence in the region.
Netanyahu’s ultra-nationalist government
Upon returning to power, Prime Minister Netanyahu formed a coalition with far-right and ultra-religious political parties. This alliance granted him his sixth term as prime minister but elicited concerns due to the controversial nature of some of the coalition members. One such figure is Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has a history of inciting racism and supporting extremist organizations. As Minister for National Security, Ben-Gvir’s influence raises fears among those advocating for Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
Ben-Gvir has already implemented policies such as banning the Palestinian flag in public spaces. He seeks to loosen gun laws, accelerate settlement building in the occupied West Bank, and adopt more aggressive tactics towards Palestinian prisoners. These actions jeopardize the prospects of a two-state solution and have contributed to the anxieties felt by many within and outside of Israel.
It is evident that the protests in Israel reflect deep concerns about the erosion of democratic values and rising tensions in the region. The government’s proposed judicial overhaul and the actions of its far-right coalition members have fueled public discontent and prompted calls for international support.
By Haley Ott
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