Tel Aviv on Saturday evening witnessed a new demonstration against the draft amendment to the judicial system supported by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while critics consider it contrary to the foundations of democracy.
The demonstration comes days before the Knesset (parliament) is due to resume its work. Demonstrators carried Israeli flags and banners, including one reading "History is looking at you."
For the past four months, Israelis have been demonstrating weekly against the judicial amendment, which Benjamin Netanyahu's government wants to implement while critics consider it anti-democratic.
The Knesset is due to resume work on Monday after a recess. Supporters and opponents of the amendments have sought to tighten pressure on politicians.
Divergent positions
The coalition government maintains that the amendments are aimed at correcting an imbalance between the judiciary and elected members of parliament, while critics say they jeopardize Israeli democracy.
The architect of the draft amendment, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, spoke to thousands of demonstrators supporting the amendments in occupied Jerusalem last Thursday.
Radical Finance Minister Smotrich took part in the demonstration in support of the amendments, vowing that the government would "not give up" them.
It is noteworthy that Netanyahu announced last March the "suspension" of the legislative process to give "an opportunity for dialogue" after the expansion of the protest movement and the start of a general strike.
Inter-party negotiations under the auspices of President Isaac Herzog began this month for a settlement. But the opposition remains skeptical of Netanyahu's intentions, and no compromise has been reached.