JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his pursuit of a contentious judicial overhaul, despite facing unprecedented mass protests, growing dissent from military reservists, and pleas from U.S. President Joe Biden to reconsider the plan. In a prime time address on national television, Netanyahu made it clear that he is determined to move forward, setting the stage for intensified street demonstrations in the days leading up to a critical vote scheduled for Monday.
Following the Prime Minister’s speech, protestors took to the streets and blocked Tel Aviv’s main highway, engaging in clashes with the police and igniting bonfires. A march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, spanning approximately 70 kilometers (roughly 45 miles), was also underway with hundreds of participants.
While Netanyahu displayed moments of conciliation during his address, acknowledging the deep divisions within the country, he also struck a defiant tone, accusing his opponents of trying to topple him. He sharply criticized military reservists who have vowed to cease reporting for duty should the plan be enacted, viewing their refusal as a threat to Israel’s security.
The proposed legislation, set for a parliamentary vote on Monday, aims to curtail the Supreme Court’s powers, limiting its ability to invalidate decisions deemed “unreasonable.” Proponents, including Netanyahu and his coalition of ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox parties, argue that this is necessary to curb what they perceive as excessive authority held by unelected judges.
However, critics assert that this move could consolidate power within the Prime Minister’s circle and undermine the system of checks and balances. They also point to Netanyahu’s trial for corruption charges, alleging a conflict of interest in pursuing the overhaul plan.
The controversy has deeply divided the Israeli public and drawn the attention of President Joe Biden, who has urged Netanyahu to seek a broad national consensus before proceeding with any legislation.
The most significant challenge to the plan comes from military reservists, including fighter pilots, commandos, and cyberwar officers, who have declared their intent to stop reporting for duty in key units. Israeli leaders and military commanders have expressed concern, as reservists play a vital role in the country’s defense. The former head of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency, Nadav Argaman, has voiced support for the reservists, calling for all means to stop the legislation.
Tens of thousands of Israelis have already participated in mass protests against the proposed overhaul, and business leaders warn that a weaker judiciary could deter international investors. The movement has transitioned from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, where the crucial parliamentary vote will take place.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called on Netanyahu to defy his coalition allies and halt the legislation, describing the government’s approach as an attempt to create a non-democratic state.
As the nation braces for more protests and potential disruptions, the outcome of the vote remains uncertain. The judicial overhaul plan was introduced shortly after Netanyahu assumed office, following Israel’s fifth election in under four years.
Critics emphasize that removing the reasonability standard could lead to political appointments without proper oversight, potentially influencing Netanyahu’s legal challenges. As the Israeli Prime Minister leads the nation’s most ultranationalist and religiously conservative government to date, the stakes remain high in this contentious battle for the country’s judicial system.