JERUSALEM, April 1 (Reuters) – Protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul showed no sign of abating on Saturday, despite the embattled premier’s suspension this week, as thousands took to the street to demand that it be scrapped completely.
Amid domestic unrest and expressions of concern and disapproval in Washington, Netanyahu on Monday suspended the overhaul to allow negotiations on a compromise between his religious-nationalist coalition and opposition parties .
“We don’t believe anything that comes out of Bibi’s (Netanyahu) mouth. We believe that this is just a political stunt aimed at stopping the protest,” said Emanuel Keller, 30, at a protest outside the Israeli presidential residence that host conversations.
One of the main points of contention is the ruling coalition’s push for more power to appoint judges, including the Supreme Court.
[1/9] A member of the security forces moves as demonstrators hold flags during a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his nationalist coalition government’s plan for a judicial overhaul, in Tel Aviv, Israel April 1, 2023. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
Critics see the government’s drive as a threat to the independence of the court and an attempt at a legal coup. Advocates say it seeks a less elitist, interventionist court.
Netanyahu, on trial on corruption charges he denies, has said reforms are needed to balance the branches of government. His Likud party and far-right political allies are calling on their political base to stage counter demonstrations.
Israeli media estimated more than 150,000 people attended anti-government protests across the country on Saturday, the largest in the commercial hub of Tel Aviv.
“We will win because this is not something we can live with. We cannot live in a state that is not democratic,” said Limor Moyal, at the demonstration in Tel Aviv.
Additional reporting by Natalie Thomas in Tel Aviv Writing by Maayan Lubell Editing by Mark Potter
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