About a dozen protesters chained themselves to the Knesset entrance gate early Thursday, temporarily blocking vehicle access, as protest groups continued their activities against the government’s planned judicial reform even after the legislation was put on hold. for conciliation talks with the opposition.
The demonstrators, from a group calling itself “Blocking the Coup”, were dispersed by the Knesset Guard, who detained five of them.
Protesters held up signs and chanted anti-reform chants, dismissing the reconciliation talks at President Isaac Herzog’s residence as “fake dialogue,” and criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for agreeing to a “national guard” police force. ” to be established under the direct command of the President. far right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir.
“Instead of solving the housing crisis, fighting the cost of living and fixing the education system, members of the coalition government are promoting a coup, creating dangerous militias of thugs, blocking legislation that protects women, and we all deliberately lead a civil war out of it. narrow interests,” the group said in a statement.
“Instead of a fake dialogue at the Áras an Uachtaráin about how many stooge judges the coalition will appoint, we urge the legislators to admit their inability to solve the crisis, and tell them – to convene a citizens’ assembly that will appoint a constitution, ” they put.
Israel’s attorney general has warned that the legislative package — which would give the coalition almost total control over all judicial appointments, and would radically restrict the High Court — would give the government almost unfettered power, without providing any institutional safeguards for the rights of the individual or for the rights of Israel. democratic character.
עפילי לקסום את הפיקה: “לא למליציאה של בן גביר” pic.twitter.com/XK8eK2Y3VD
— חזקי ברוק (@HezkeiB) March 30, 2023
Tensions over the shakeup have largely eased since the legislative shutdown was announced on Monday, a day after Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for publicly urging a freeze, although protest organizers vowed to continue rallies and the issue is still a ticking time bomb at home. as well as the diplomatic field, causing a recent split with the United States.
