In Israel, there were again mass protests on Saturday evening against the controversial judicial reform of the ultra-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Israeli media estimates, 150,000 to 200,000 demonstrators gathered in downtown Tel Aviv. "History has its eyes on you," read one poster. Many demonstrators waved the Israeli flag.
The debate on judicial reform has triggered a deep domestic political and social crisis in Israel. Since January, there have been unprecedented protests against the government's plans, with tens of thousands taking to the streets every Saturday, especially in Tel Aviv.
The demonstrators accuse the government of wanting to weaken the country's independent judiciary and undermine democracy in Israel. Protester Iris Oren described the protests as a "fight for democracy". This fight will certainly be noticed in parliament, said Oren, who, like many demonstrators, had an Israeli flag with her. In this way, it is made clear to the deputies "that they cannot make unilateral decisions".
The government's plan aims to limit the powers of the judiciary and the Supreme Court and to strengthen the position of parliament and the prime minister. With the reform, parliament could overturn decisions of the Supreme Court by a simple majority.
At the end of March, Netanyahu suspended the legislative process until the end of April as a result of the massive protests in order to "give dialogue a chance". President Isaac Herzog mediates between the government and the opposition. However, opposition politicians expressed skepticism, so far no compromise has been reached. On Monday, MEPs will return from a parliamentary recess.