Mass protests in Israel as controversial renovations move forward

TEL AVIV, Israel — Tens of thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday against their far-right government’s plan to overhaul the legal system, three days after parliament tabled a bill that would allow lawmakers to overturn a Supreme Court ruling with a simple majority.

The approval of a “supreme court override” bill in a preliminary Knesset vote was the latest step by Governor Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition to overhaul the justice system, which is moving forward despite calls for dialogue and consensus by American Jews and the Israeli president and weekly crowds. protest.

Protesters say that in addition to weakening the country’s highest court, the proposed changes threaten Israel’s democratic values ​​and concentrate power in parliament to the ruling coalition. Netanyahu and his ruling coalition believe the court has had unchecked power for years.

Eight weeks ago, the weekly protests gained momentum and were joined by a large part of Israeli society and businesses. On Saturday, the main protest took place in the central city of Tel Aviv, along with several smaller demonstrations across the country.

Protesters held Israeli flags, torches and placards with various messages against the judicial review. “No constitution, no democracy,” reads one poster. Some protesters stood behind banners reading “They won’t pass” and “Overrule” in reference to the vote.