In Tel Aviv and other cities in Israel, on Saturday February 12, tens of thousands of people took to the streets for the sixth week in a row to oppose the government's justice reform Netanyahu. 

"Democracy", shouted the demonstrators to the rhythm of drum rolls, "Shame, shame!", "We are not going to give up".

The packed crowd waved a tide of blue and white Israeli flags, dotted with rainbow flags of the LGBT+ community and Palestinians.

A first reading of some of the controversial provisions of the reform, aimed at increasing the power of elected officials over that of magistrates, is scheduled for Monday in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. 

The leaders of the movement called for a strike the same day. 

Thwarting the forecasts according to which the announcement of this strike would divert part of the demonstrators from the rallies that have become customary on Saturday evening, the Israelis demonstrated in greater numbers than in previous weeks, noted an AFP journalist.

The Israeli media reported about 50,000 demonstrators in Tel Aviv, up to 75,000 according to the daily Haaretz (left), about 10,000 in Haifa and 4,000 in Jerusalem, in front of the residence of Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Tel Aviv, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the victims of Friday's bombing in East Jerusalem, in which three Israelis, including two children, were killed.

Limitation of the powers of the Supreme Court

"Netanyahu's trial is the reason for everything. He is trying in every way to weaken the judiciary to escape his trial," said Neta Keren-Tal, a mother working in the medical field, referring to the trial. for ongoing corruption of the Prime Minister.

For Ilan Tsabari, a director of high-tech products, it is necessary "to find a balance between the extreme left and the extreme right to create a real democracy in Israel".

For the first time since the movement began in January, several dozen protesters gathered in Efrat, an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank.

The government set up at the end of December by Benjamin Netanyahu, which backed the Likud (right) with religious and far-right allies, is considered one of the most right-wing in the history of Israel. 

The coalition's proposals would significantly limit the Supreme Court's ability to strike down laws and government decisions.

An “override clause” would allow the Knesset to re-enact invalidated laws with a simple majority of 61 votes.

The reform also plans to change the system for appointing judges by giving more weight to political power. 

Benjamin Netanyahu himself is on trial for corruption in several cases.

In Israel, the Prime Minister does not have any judicial immunity but does not have to resign or step down during his trial.

>> To read also: In Israel, the revolt of the economic elites to defend a democracy in danger

With AFP 

The summary of the

France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 app