Israelis Rally Against Threats to Democracy

Mass Protests Sweep Across Israel

Protesters have been undeterred by Netanyahu’s attempts to quell the unrest. Crowds of Israelis chanting “Shame!” have flooded the streets in the weeks after Netanyahu backed down, demanding that the overhaul be scrapped altogether. The plan would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his partners in Israel’s most hardline coalition in its history the final say in appointing the nation’s judges.

Netanyahu’s Judicial Reform Plan Sparks Outrage

The proposed changes would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the court’s ability to review laws. Tens of thousands of Israelis packed Tel Aviv streets on Saturday for the 16th consecutive week to protest government judicial reforms they see as an attack on democracy.

Tensions Rise Ahead of Netanyahu’s Speech to Jewish Federations

Saturday’s demonstration comes ahead of another mass protest planned for the coastal city on Sunday to coincide with a Netanyahu speech to the general assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America. The government’s reform proposals would curtail the authority of the Supreme Court and give politicians greater powers over the selection of judges.