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Protests in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening
Photo: ILAN ROSENBERG / REUTERS
Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated across the country on Saturday evening against the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing religious government. In several cities, they marched through the streets with blue and white national flags and posters. The focus of the protests this week was, among other things, on the increase in violence in the Arab sector and a decisive vote in parliament next week.
According to media reports, 100 people of the Arab population have been killed in Israel since the beginning of the year – almost three times as many as in the same period in 2022. The police under Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are accused of not doing enough to combat the wave of violence. Signs at the protests read: "Ben-Gvir, you are overwhelmed. Step back!"
Negotiations between the government and the opposition have so far been unsuccessful
Since the beginning of the year, there have been regular anti-government demonstrations in Israel. Netanyahu's coalition wants to weaken the Supreme Court with a judicial reform. It accuses him of excessive interference in political decisions. Critics see the separation of powers in danger and warn of a national crisis. Netanyahu had suspended the plans after massive pressure in March. Negotiations between the government and the opposition have so far failed to reach an agreement.
A central part of the comprehensive legislative project is an amendment to the Judicial Election Committee. On Wednesday, Parliament will vote on two representatives of the nine-member body. Traditionally, one of the two comes from the opposition. However, several members of the government called for both seats to be given to the coalition.
Such a step could once again massively fuel the protests in the country. Organizers said the government would be "surprised by the scale and intensity." In this case, the opposition threatened to stop negotiations on a compromise.
ktz/dpa