HEMED, Israel, July 22 (Reuters) – Thousands of Israelis opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned judicial reform rallied in Jerusalem on Saturday, as pressure mounted on their government to scrap a bill that would cut the powers of the Supreme Court.
Netanyahu’s religious nationalist coalition says the bill, which Parliament is scheduled to vote on Monday, is necessary to balance powers because the Supreme Court has become too interventionist.
Critics say it has a crucial role in safeguarding civil rights, in a country that lacks a constitution and has a one-chamber parliament dominated by the right-wing government.
Carrying blue and white Israeli flags, a kilometer-long column of protesters marched up the main highway toward Jerusalem under a blazing sun, to the sound of drums and anti-government chants and cheers.
The protesters have been walking for days, camping overnight and are often greeted by local residents who offer them food and drink.
They are scheduled to gather before parliament before debate and a subsequent vote on Sunday on the bill, which would limit the powers of the Supreme Court to overturn what it considers “inadmissible” government or ministerial decisions.
Asked if she thought the protesters would be able to stop the vote, protest leader Shikma Bressler said she didn’t know.
“But the vote is not the last step,” he told Reuters. “That’s why we’re trying to build the forces…in this country to choose good over evil, light over dark.”
Supporters of the bill say it is designed to facilitate effective governance where courts continue to maintain broad judicial oversight. On the other hand, his detractors affirm that the change is being processed in a hurry in Parliament and will open the door to corruption and abuse of power.
Polls suggest widespread misgivings among Israelis as the planned changes have dented the economy and worry Washington, a key ally, which has urged Netanyahu – who is on trial on corruption charges – to seek consensus on judicial reforms.
(Written by Maayan Lubell; edited in Spanish by Carlos Serrano)
Source: Ambito
