(MENAFN) For the 11th consecutive week, opponents of the Israeli government's plans for judicial overhaul have held demonstrations across several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, on Saturday. The protests were joined by Arab-Israelis and members of the Bedouin community, marking their first appearance in the ongoing demonstrations against the judicial reform plans.
The protests have been ongoing for more than two months, with thousands of Israelis taking to the streets to voice their opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans for judicial overhaul. The opposition sees it as an attempt to reduce the powers of the judicial authority in favor of the executive authority.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin proposed the reform, which, if enacted, would be the most radical change ever in the system of government in Israel. The planned change would severely limit the power of the Supreme Court of Justice, give the government the power to choose judges, and end the appointment of legal advisers to ministries by the attorney general.
Despite facing corruption charges, Netanyahu insists that his judicial plan would enhance democracy and restore balance between the legislative, executive, and judicial powers. However, the opposition views the plan as an attempt by Netanyahu to consolidate his power and avoid accountability.
On Saturday, protesters blocked several main roads in Tel Aviv, and Israeli police used water cannons to disperse protesters who blocked roads in northern Israel. The demonstrations have been marked by a strong police presence, with several protesters arrested and charged with various offenses.
On Thursday, Netanyahu rejected a proposal by President Isaac Herzog to solve the crisis, indicating that the government is unlikely to back down from its plans for judicial reform. The ongoing protests show no signs of slowing down, and it remains to be seen how the Israeli government will respond to the growing opposition to its proposed reforms.
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