Clashes between Israeli police and demonstrators took to the streets in Tel Aviv to protest against justice reform. Officers are working to clear protesters who broke through barriers and are blocking the Ayalon, a main thoroughfare through Tel Aviv. According to police, officers are "preparing to prevent the advance of protesters moving along the highway." Eleven protesters have so far been arrested in the clashes.
More than 130,13 people, according to media reports, marched in many places in Israel for the eighth consecutive week against the disputed justice reform that Benyamin Netanyahu's right-wing government is carrying out in the Knesset. In Tel Aviv the most massive protest took place which, according to Channel 100, saw more than <> thousand people crowd the long Kaplan street that runs along the complex of the Ministry of Defense.
(ApPhoto)
Israel protests against plans by new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system, Tel Aviv
The most shouted slogans were "Democracy" and "No to dictatorship" in a sea of Israeli flags and many of peace. The demonstrations were preceded by a harsh exchange of accusations between Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid. The first accused the protesters of "creating anarchy in Israel and damaging its economy so that we can get to a sixth round of elections."
(ApPhoto)
Israel protests against plans by new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system, Tel Aviv
According to media reports, Netanyahu said at the last cabinet meeting that he wanted to "punch the protesters." In response to Tel Aviv they marched with their fists lowered to their chest and flags at half-mast. Lapid replied to the prime minister that "the time has come for you to put an end to your lies ... The only one who destroys the economy is you, who divides the nation, who incites violence."
Among the speakers in Tel Aviv, the leader of the Reform Jews in North America Rabbi Rick Jacobs. "We are with you here in Israel," he said, "to fight threats to democracy." Also on stage was Tzipi Lavi, leader of an organization of religious feminists. But also former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Similar demonstrations took place in Haifa (30,<> according to the media), in Jerusalem - near the official residence of the prime minister - and in dozens of other places.
(ApPhoto)
Israel protests against plans by new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system, Tel Aviv