Israelis rally in three cities against Netanyahu’s legal reforms

TEL AVIV, Jan 14 (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in three major cities on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform plans, with organizers accusing him of undermining democratic rule weeks after his re-election .

Straddling a nationalist-religious coalition with a solid parliamentary majority, Netanyahu, now in his sixth term, wants to rein in the Supreme Court in what he has described as restoring balance to the three branches of government.

Critics say the proposed reforms would cripple judicial independence, foster corruption, roll back minority rights and rob Israel’s justice system of the credibility that helps fend off war crimes allegations abroad. Opponents include the chief justice of the Supreme Court and the country’s attorney general.

After President Isaac Herzog called on polarized politicians to “turn the temperature down” on debates, organizers of the protests – held in cold winter rain – sought to strike a note of national unity.

“Take an Israeli flag in one hand, an umbrella in the other, and come out to protect democracy and law in the State of Israel,” said former centrist defense minister Benny Gantz, who attended at the Tel Aviv rally but, like other opponents. numbers, shouldn’t bother.

“We preserve our common home,” read one protester’s placard. Netanyahu was guilty of a “legal coup”, said another.

Israeli media put the number of people present at around 80,000, with thousands more at protests in Jerusalem and Haifa.

Images on social media showed a small number of Palestinian flags displayed, in defiance of Netanyahu’s far-right allies. One of them, National Security Ministry Itamar Ben-Gvir, told Kan TV that he wanted the flags removed but was waiting for the attorney general’s opinion before ordering a crackdown. policewoman.

On Friday, 73-year-old Netanyahu showed flexibility on the reform plan, saying it would be implemented “with careful consideration while listening to all positions.”

Polls have diverged on public opinions on the reforms. Channel 13 news revealed last week that 53% of Israelis opposed changing the structure of court appointments, while 35% supported it. But Channel 14 TV found Thursday 61% for and 35% against.

Critics of the Supreme Court say it is excessive and unrepresentative of the electorate. Its proponents call courtship a way to bring balance to a cantankerous society.

“Tens of thousands of people participated in the protests tonight. In the elections held here two and a half months ago, millions of people turned out,” tweeted Miki Zohar, a senior member of the conservative Likud party. of Netanyahu.

“We promised the people change, we promised governance, we promised reform – and we will deliver.”

Written by Dan Williams; Editing by Christina Fincher and Mark Potter

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