Tens of Thousands of Israelis Protest Against Judicial Reform Bill: Threat to Democracy

Tens of thousands of Israelis on Saturday, July 22, staged a large rally in Jerusalem, challenging the government of Benjamin Netanyahu over the so-called judicial reform bill, labeling it a "threat to democracy." According to the Associated Press, the protesters, including over a hundred former Israeli security officials, urged Mr. Netanyahu to halt the legislative process of this bill, as they believe it undermines "checks and balances in the country" and could lead to "authoritarian rule." The report states that the demonstrators completed a 72-kilometer march from Tel Aviv to the Knesset, the parliament, where they intended to camp before the anticipated vote. Simultaneously, Netanyahu's proposed revision bill has faced criticism from "business entrepreneurs," "medical professionals," and "reserve military forces," as many are concerned it could jeopardize Israel's "national security." The bill aims to limit the powers of the Supreme Court and change the method of selecting judges. Earlier, Reuters reported that over 1,100 reserve military personnel threatened to cease voluntary service in the Israeli army if the judicial changes persist, prompting the Israeli army to announce it would review the protests from the reserve forces. According to the Associated Press, with the onset of the wave of protests and its expansion, the coalition government has faced divisions. Thousands of people marched in Israel against the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, as the Knesset decides to impose restrictions on the judiciary. Israel witnessed the largest anti-government protests against Benjamin Netanyahu, with a Hollywood figure testifying against him regarding the resumption of judicial reform discussions.