Thousands of Israelis take to streets to oppose judicial reforms

Protesters say reforms would concentrate power in hands of Netanyahu and his allies

Protesters holding banners with 'resist' and 'the main thing is not to be afraid at all' in Hebrew during a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reuters

Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv and other cities against proposed legal reforms they claim could lead to a more authoritarian government.

The protests on Saturday were aimed at the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who resumed power in December with a coalition of ultra-Orthodox Jewish and extreme-right allies.

The protest in Tel Aviv was the 27th since the reform agenda was announced in January, with an estimated turnout of 150,000.

Historian Yuval Noah Harari addressed the rally, urging action against the Netanyahu government's actions.

He warned: “If the Netanyahu government does not stop, it will soon learn what happens when we get angry.”

Police employed water cannons to disperse the crown in response to approximately 100 demonstrators who blocked a main road.

The government justifies the judicial reform, aimed at increasing politicians' control over the courts, as a necessary measure for ensuring a better balance of power.

Despite unsuccessful talks with the opposition and a late March announcement from Mr Netanyahu declaring a pause in the process for negotiations, the government is now pressing forward.

The first reading of a bill to remove the judiciary's right to rule on the “reasonableness” of government decisions will take place on Monday.

This proposed legislation could affect the appointment of ministers. In January, Mr Netanyahu was forced to dismiss cabinet member Aryeh Deri due to a Supreme Court intervention over a previous tax evasion conviction.

Protesters and critics argue that the proposed judicial overhaul threatens Israel's system of checks and balances and concentrates power in the hands of Mr Netanyahu and his allies.

Some also contend that Mr Netanyahu's corruption trial presents a conflict of interest.

Amit Lev, a tech executive, expressed concern that the draft law, which is “part of a series of laws, each of which allows the passage of the other”, is a slippery slope.

He said the laws aim “to prevent the judiciary from criticising government decisions that do not fall under the remit of any other law”.

Widespread dissent was evident among different sectors of society, with business leaders, minority groups, and reserve military officers joining the protests.

The protest movement, which has been organising rallies for over six months since the unveiling of the overhaul plan, had shown signs of weakening until recent events reignited the cause, including the government's decision to press on with the judicial overhaul next week as well as the dismissal of Tel Aviv's police chief, Ami Eshed.

Accused of being too sympathetic to the protesters, Mr Eshed claimed his resignation was forced due to political pressure to act more violently towards demonstrators.

The departure of Mr Eshed, who often disagreed with the hardline national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, also incensed protesters.

As the government advances with its judicial overhaul, organisers have announced another day of protest scheduled for Tuesday.

“If we don't stop what is happening now, there'll be no going back,” warned Lev.

Nira, a physiotherapist who preferred not to give her last name, echoed this sentiment. She said, “If this law passes, we will not be able to live as we wish. I'm not at peace right now about our future here.”